Another attack on a cargo vessel has occurred near the Strait of Hormuz. A northbound commercial ship was reportedly targeted by multiple small boats off the coast of Sirik, Iran, marking at least the 24th such incident since the outbreak of the Iran conflict.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations stated that no crew members were injured, but security risks in the region remain at the highest level.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that operations would begin Monday local time to assist stranded vessels in resuming passage through the strait. He emphasized that some ships are experiencing shortages of essential supplies, including basic necessities and sanitation. He also warned that if the operation is obstructed, the U.S. may take stronger action.
Iran, meanwhile, reiterated its control over the strait and stated that vessels not associated with the United States or Israel must pay fees to transit, a move widely seen as challenging the principle of freedom of navigation. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Analysts note that Iran’s use of small, fast patrol boats—highly mobile and difficult to detect—has increased risks to shipping and complicated military responses. The U.S. military had previously authorized lethal force against Iranian vessels suspected of laying mines in the strait.
At present, the temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has held for around three weeks, but the situation remains fragile. Tehran is reviewing a new U.S. proposal, though it has stressed that the talks do not involve nuclear issues. Observers warn that continued instability in the strait poses a significant threat to global energy transport and supply chain stability.