Iran Resumes Attacks on Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz, Escalating US-Iran Tensions

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated overnight as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched at least two missiles targeting commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to two senior US officials, both ships sustained significant damage but there were no casualties. The attacks occurred shortly after the expiration of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran, under which both parties had agreed to avoid attacks in the strait and ensure freedom of navigation.

US sources warn that the renewed Iranian missile strikes threaten to collapse the MOU signed less than three weeks ago, and Washington is expected to respond with strikes against Iranian targets. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker near the coast of Oman was hit by a missile, causing a fire onboard. Another commercial vessel was also struck by an Iranian missile, suffering heavy damage but no reported injuries.

This incident follows recent indirect talks in Doha between the US and Iran, which ended without progress on the Strait of Hormuz security issue. Under the MOU, Iran had committed to securing safe passage for commercial ships, while the US agreed to lift sanctions on Iranian ports. The latest attacks raise fears that the agreement will collapse entirely, potentially leading to renewed military escalation in the strategically vital waterway.