US officials blamed Iran for the attack, while Tehran warned that ships using routes not approved by Iranian authorities would travel at their own risk
Fresh security concerns have emerged in the Strait of Hormuz after a commercial cargo ship was hit near Oman, prompting the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) to suspend its ship escort operation temporarily.
The vessel suffered damage to its bridge after being struck by an unidentified object, but all crew members and cargo remained safe. US officials blamed Iran for the attack, while Tehran warned that ships using routes not approved by Iranian authorities would travel at their own risk.
The incident has raised doubts about the durability of the recently announced US-Iran ceasefire and renewed fears over the safety of one of the world’s busiest energy corridors, which carries about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Despite the tensions, Saudi Arabia resumed oil exports from its Ras Tanura terminal as more tankers gradually exited the region.