Tanker Struck in Hormuz as Iran, US Trade Attacks in Worst Escalation Since Peace Deal

Tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz as a tanker sustained damage from a projectile on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran. Britain's maritime security agency, UKMTO, reported the incident, stating the tanker's bridge was damaged but all crew members were safe.

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The tanker hit on Saturday had sustained damage to its bridge, with all crew reported safe.

This attack occurred shortly after both nations accused each other of violating a recently signed interim peace deal. The US confirmed it conducted overnight strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran retaliated by targeting what it described as US-linked sites on Saturday. This exchange represents the most severe escalation since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire two weeks prior.

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The Joint Maritime Information Center, run by a coalition of navies protecting shipping, said it had raised its security ‌threat level as ‌a result of recent incidents.

The incident on the tanker is the latest in a series of attacks on shipping in the region. A cargo ship was targeted on Thursday, triggering the current escalation. Iran appears to be reasserting its control over the crucial waterway, which has seen disruptions over the past months. The Joint Maritime Information Center has raised its security threat level in response to these recent events.

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the Revolutionary Guards had fired "warning shots" towards unspecified vessels attempting to pass through channels not approved by Iran, and that this was now prompting other ships to seek Iranian permits before attempting to cross the strait.

Iran has not directly addressed specific ship attacks but reported that its Revolutionary Guards fired warning shots at vessels attempting to use unapproved routes. Bahrain also reported an Iranian drone attack. Meanwhile, Iran accused the US of failing to uphold the peace agreement, particularly regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon. The US military has not immediately commented on the latest reports. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in actions that threaten regional stability and global energy supplies.

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Washington had violated the war-ending memorandum of understanding by supporting what he called proxy forces in the region and creating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.