One killed as merchant ship hit in Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions

One killed as merchant ship hit in Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions

A merchant vessel came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz early Sunday, killing one person and injuring three others, Iranian authorities said, as tensions continue to rise between Iran and the United States over control of the strategically vital waterway.

Qeshm city Governor Amir Teymouri said the incident occurred at around 5am near the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands. He confirmed that one person died while three others sustained injuries. Iranian state television reported the incident but did not identify who carried out the attack or specify what caused the vessel to come under fire.

Several explosions also shook areas around Qeshm, Iran’s largest island in the Strait of Hormuz, during the night. Authorities have not yet provided further details about the explosions or whether they were connected to the attack on the merchant vessel.

The incident comes just one day before Iran and Gulf states are due to hold talks in Oman on the security situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Oman, which borders the strategic waterway, is expected to host discussions focused on the ongoing blockade and its impact on regional security and international trade.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the main flashpoints in the six-month conflict between Iran and the United States. The waterway carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments and remains critical to global energy markets.

Iran blocked the passage after the United States and Israel launched attacks against the country on February 28. Before the conflict, ships could pass through the strait without the restrictions now imposed by Tehran.

Iranian authorities now require vessels to obtain permission before entering the waterway, citing security and sovereignty concerns. Tehran has also considered introducing a mechanism to charge vessels service fees for using the route.

Meanwhile, fighting has intensified between Yemen’s Houthi movement and government forces backed by Saudi Arabia.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group carried out an attack on the southern Sharurah base, targeting weapons storage facilities and command-and-control centres. He did not specify when the operation took place.

Yemeni government forces have also stepped up attacks on Houthi positions. On Saturday, government forces said they targeted Houthi fighters in the Red Sea port city of Mocha before striking additional positions in southwestern Yemen.

The Yemeni military said Sunday that its air force conducted three strikes against Houthi positions and military barracks in Taiz province, further highlighting the growing tensions across the wider region.