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Tanker attacked near Strait of Hormuz after ignoring Iran's orders
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Conflict & Security

Tanker attacked near Strait of Hormuz after ignoring Iran's orders

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Context piece
  • Iran claims an oil tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz for failing to heed warnings while transiting the Oman Sea with US Navy support.
  • The vessel, identified as the Al Rekayya, reportedly sustained damage to its engine room after ignoring repeated warnings.
  • The incident occurred amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, with Iran's Foreign Minister linking continued threats to the halt of final agreement talks.

Iran alleges that an oil tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz because it disregarded warnings while attempting to pass through the Oman Sea, reportedly with US Navy backing. State broadcaster IRIB, citing unnamed sources, reported the vessel was struck after ignoring repeated alerts.

The targeted vessel, believed to be the Al Rekayya, is described as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker owned and operated by Qatar's Nakilat. According to The Wall Street Journal, the ship was hit on its port side in the upper engine room, causing a fire and smoke. Crew members were reported safe and gathered on the starboard side.

The ship was attacked after it ignored repeated warnings.

— IRIB (citing unnamed sources)Reporting on the circumstances of the attack on the oil tanker.

The incident took place near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an unidentified projectile hitting an oil tanker, causing a fire off the coast of Oman. Axios, citing two anonymous US officials, reported that Iran launched at least two missiles toward commercial vessels.

A fire occurred in the engine room and it was filled with smoke. We cannot yet assess the extent of other damage. All crew members are safe and have gathered on the right side of the ship.

— Ship's recording (via The Wall Street Journal)Describing the immediate aftermath of the attack on the tanker.

Iran had previously warned ships against using the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani waters, insisting all passage through the strategic route must be coordinated with its military. This incident occurs near one of the world's most critical energy shipping lanes, while a ceasefire between the US and Iran is reportedly in effect and peace talks are ongoing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations with the US on a final agreement would not commence if threats against Iran persist. He emphasized that the 13th memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington is clear on this matter. Araghchi also noted that millions gathered to honor the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israel attack on February 28, and were unaffected by any threats.

Negotiations with the US regarding a final agreement will not begin if threats against Iran continue.

— Abbas AraghchiStating Iran's position on resuming nuclear talks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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