Iran Attacks Merchant Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Khamenei Funeral Procession
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have risen again after Iran reportedly attacked several merchant ships passing through the strategic shipping lane. This incident occurred amidst a series of funeral processions for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a security escalation in the region.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly fired at least two missiles towards merchant vessels sailing in the Strait of Hormlag on Monday (6/7). This aggressive move reinforces Iran’s military warnings regarding maritime traffic in the area.
Iranian state television, IRIB, reported that a Qatari oil tanker became a target after attempting to traverse the Omani route in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was reportedly under escort by the United States Navy.
“However, it became a target after repeatedly ignoring warnings,” IRIB reported on Tuesday (7/7).
This report aligns with information from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which revealed that a tanker was struck by a projectile in the waters off Oman. The incident caused a serious fire on board the vessel.
“A tanker was reported to have been hit by an unknown projectile on the port side of the hull, causing a fire, while sailing south,” the UKMTO report stated. Authorities are currently conducting an in-depth investigation into the type of projectile used.
Prior to the shooting incident, the Iranian military reportedly issued repeated warnings via radio communication. The IRGC instructed passing ships not to enter the Strait of Hormuz without official permission, explicitly warning that fire would be opened if instructions were ignored.
In response to the increasingly dangerous situation, the UKMTO has urged all vessels operating in the region to increase vigilance. Captains have been asked to immediately report any suspicious activity to avoid the risk of further attacks.
Maritime reporting data shows that at least six oil and gas tankers were seen using the Omani route on Sunday (5/7). However, to avoid digital tracking by the Iranian military, several ships allegedly intentionally deactivated their transponder systems.
This phenomenon, known as “dark crossing,” is becoming increasingly common. Last week, at least eight ships were reported to have cancelled routes or turned back while attempting to cross the Omani route. Four of these were forced to change course towards the Iranian route before eventually managing to exit the strait.
Western militaries assess the current threat level in the Strait of Hormuz to be at its highest. In addition to the risk of missile attacks and seizures, the area is also considered vulnerable due to the suspected presence of sea mines that could threaten international shipping safety.
Foreign Minister Sugiono and the Speaker of the MPR, Ahmad Muzani, are scheduled to attend the funeral of Ali Khamenei in Iran on Thursday (9/7) following changes to access protocols.