Three merchant ships struck as tensions rise in Hormuz strait amid Iran war
Three Merchant Vessels Hit in Hormuz Strait Amid Escalating Iran-US Conflict
Three commercial ships were targeted in and near the Strait of Hormuz, including a Thai-registered bulk carrier that ignited a fire after departing a UAE port. This incident, which occurred on Wednesday, forced crew members to evacuate the vessel for safety. The Mayuree Naree was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while sailing approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman, ending a four-day period of relative calm in the vital waterway. A fire broke out in the engine room and was eventually controlled, with the Omani navy assisting in the evacuation of 20 crew members. Three others remained aboard the damaged ship, waiting for rescue.
Strait Closure and Iran’s Threat to Oil Trade
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut down since the start of the month following the US and Israeli strike on Iran. Tehran has retaliated across the region, creating a volatile security environment. With about one-fifth of global oil and gas passing through the strait, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that it would prevent even a single litre of oil from leaving the area if hostilities persist. The two additional vessels attacked suffered minor damage, with no severe injuries reported. The ONE Majesty, a Japanese container ship, was hit 28 miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah, while the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth was struck 30 miles northwest of Dubai, damaging its hull while at anchor.
“Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised,” said Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a military command spokesperson for Iran.
Oil prices, which briefly surged to nearly $120 a barrel on Monday, have since stabilized at around $90, driven by hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict. US media reported Iran had deployed a dozen mines in the strait, though French President Emmanuel Macron expressed uncertainty about the claim. Naval experts suggest such operations could involve Iranian speedboats, submarines, or naval vessels, which have endured repeated US targeting.
US Military Response and Convoy Plans
The US military confirmed it had destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait, as part of a strategy to disrupt Iran’s naval capabilities and protect international shipping. Adm Bradley Cooper, US Central Command commander, noted that 5,500 targets had been struck in Iran, surpassing the previous day’s count by 500. Meanwhile, Iranian civilians were advised to avoid civilian ports, where military operations are underway. Discussions are ongoing about US naval convoys for oil tankers, though no patrol mission has materialized as tensions remain high.
France expressed interest in participating in a convoy once hostilities ease, while the UK emphasized the importance of air defense. At a defense briefing, top US General Dan Caine outlined potential security measures, stating, “We’re looking at a range of options there, and we’ll figure out how to solve problems as they come to us.” When questioned about ensuring safety in the strait on Wednesday, Trump declared, “I think you’re going to see great safety, and it’s going to be very, very quickly,” without providing specifics.
The Strait of Hormuz is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, with primary shipping lanes spanning about 2 miles in width on either side. Oil and gas exports from Persian Gulf nations typically traverse this route to reach global markets, making it a critical chokepoint in the region.
