The latest
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard struck a commercial cargo ship with a missile as it transited the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official, before declaring the waterway closed until further notice. The IRGC said it fired a warning shot after the vessel refused to change course.
Details
• US account: A US official told Axios that an IRGC missile hit the vessel and caused damage.
• IRGC account: The Guard said it warned ships against using an unauthorized route and fired after one vessel ignored its instructions.
• Strait closure: The IRGC said no vessels would be allowed through until what it called US intervention in the area ends.
• Omani proposal: Oman proposed fully reopening both lanes, including unrestricted passage through the southern route in Omani waters, a diplomat said.
• Tehran’s response: Iran’s delegation did not approve the proposal in Muscat and referred it to Tehran for internal consultations.
Background
The incident came one day after the Trump administration demanded a public Iranian guarantee of safe passage and hours after talks involving Iran, Oman and Qatar.
What to watch
Attention now turns to the vessel and its crew, Washington’s response, and Tehran’s decision on the Omani proposal.
