US attacks oil tanker in strait of Hormuz as strikes reported in Tehran

Lead

The United States has fired on an oil tanker attempting to reach Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz as part of its blockade on Iranian ports, according to The Guardian. The attack came as Tehran was reported to be under attack for the first time in this latest round of strikes. The US military said it disabled an unladen oil tanker, firing Hellfire missiles into the ship's smokestack after it ignored multiple warnings.

Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, the Guardian reported. The escalating waves of attacks come days after the ceasefire between the two sides appeared to have entirely collapsed, with fears of a return to full-scale war.

Coverage Comparison

Different outlets have focused on various aspects of the conflict. Al Jazeera highlighted the economic impact, reporting that shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has plunged amid renewed fighting, dealing a new blow to energy markets already reeling from the biggest supply disruption in history. The outlet noted that no large vessel has crossed the strait via the US-coordinated route while broadcasting its location since Tuesday, with traceable crossings via the Oman-hugging lane effectively grinding to a halt.

Dawn reported that a US missile struck the Iranian island of Larak on Wednesday, in the latest attack targeting the Islamic republic's islands in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The outlet described the strategic significance of Iranian islands, including Kharg island, which was targeted by US airstrikes in mid-March, and Qeshm island, which is heavily militarized and was struck by the US as recently as last week.

The Guardian reported on the US attack on the oil tanker, Iran's response against Bahrain and Kuwait, and the US reimposition of its naval blockade on Iran. The outlet also noted that oil prices have continued to tick up higher throughout the latest waves of escalation.

South China Morning Post reported that the US launched a new wave of strikes against Iran to curb its ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels. The outlet also reported that the US disabled an empty oil tanker trying to break the naval blockade.

TASS reported that the US attacked a tanker in the Gulf of Oman on suspicion that it was carrying Iranian liquefied natural gas, killing two crew members. According to Iran's state broadcaster, the US military fired two projectiles at the tanker as it was sailing in the Gulf of Oman.

Key Claims

• US attack on oil tanker: Multiple outlets reported that the US fired on an oil tanker attempting to reach Kharg Island, disabling it with Hellfire missiles. South China Morning Post identified the vessel as the Curacao-flagged M/T Belma, noting it was stopped after the aircraft fired Hellfire missiles into the ship's smokestack.

• Iranian islands: Dawn reported that a US missile struck the Iranian island of Larak on Wednesday. The same outlet described Larak as strategically positioned at the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz and a site for Iranian oil exports since 1987, hosting a military base. The article also noted that Kharg island was targeted by US airstrikes in mid-March and that Qeshm island is heavily militarized and was struck by the US as recently as last week.

• Strikes on Tehran: The Guardian reported that state media said strikes hit the country's capital, Tehran, with reports of air defenses being heard throughout the city early on Thursday.

• Iran's response: The Guardian reported that Iran responded to the US attacks with attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait.

• Naval blockade: The Guardian reported that the US reimposed its naval blockade on Iran, while TASS reported that the US reinstated its naval blockade of Iran on July 14.

• Shipping disruption: Al Jazeera reported that shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has plunged, with Lloyd's List Intelligence data showing no vessels above 10,000 deadweight tons transiting the so-called Southern Highway with their AIS switched on since Tuesday. Only five vessels were tracked crossing the strait on Wednesday and early Thursday, compared with 45 transits on Monday.

• Oil prices: The Guardian reported that oil prices have continued to tick up higher throughout the latest waves of escalation.

• Tanker attack in Gulf of Oman: TASS reported that the US attacked a tanker in the Gulf of Oman on suspicion of carrying Iranian liquefied natural gas, killing two crew members.

• Ceasefire collapse: The Guardian noted that the escalating waves of attacks come days after the ceasefire between the two sides appeared to have entirely collapsed.