Iran Reportedly Strikes Merchant Ship in the Strait of Hormuz as New U.S.-Tehran Channels Emerge

A reported attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday may be the first major test of the new understandings between Washington and Tehran. The Wall Street Journal, citing two senior American officials, said Iran struck a Singapore-flagged cargo ship. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center said the vessel suffered damage to its bridge, and no casualties were reported.

The incident took place near the coast of Oman, just hours after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned ships not to use the Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes without Iranian regime approval. The timing heightened concerns because the strait is a critical global shipping route.

Earlier in the week, the International Maritime Organization said on Tuesday that it was coordinating an evacuation route for hundreds of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf. The effort involved Iran, Oman, other regional states, and the United States. But hours after the reported strike, the UN agency said it was suspending the evacuation operation.

At the same time, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Tehran are setting up an unusual direct communication channel between U.S. Central Command and the Revolutionary Guards. In an interview with UnHerd, Vance said both sides agreed to the step “in order to reduce the risk of another escalation of the conflict.” He said military officials from the two countries will meet in Doha, Qatar, to settle disputes and ease tensions. Vance added that the United Arab Emirates has also opened new channels with Iran, including talks with the Revolutionary Guards about economic incentives.