Key facts
- An oil tanker was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman, disabling its engine.
- The crew of the tanker are reported safe.
- A Pakistani delegation held talks in Tehran aimed at mediating an end to the Iran-U.S. conflict.
- China expressed concern over potential U.S. sanctions on Iran-linked entities, including those in China.
- One year ago, Israeli soldiers killed 22 Palestinians in a strike on a Gaza hospital.
An oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the eastern coast of Oman, disabling its engine and highlighting ongoing risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack occurred as a high-level Pakistani delegation concluded meetings in Tehran aimed at mediating an end to the conflict between Iran and the United States.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization reported the incident, stating that the crew was safe and there were no immediate reports of an environmental impact. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil transport, and Iran has exerted significant control over traffic through it.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's delegation, led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, held what they described as "highly positive and productive" talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials. The discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving stalled negotiations to end the nearly six-month-old war. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed hope that the momentum would lead to lasting peace.
In parallel, China's Foreign Ministry voiced concerns over potential U.S. sanctions targeting Iran-linked entities, including those based in China, stating that such actions should not disrupt bilateral cooperation. The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions on nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, though it stopped short of imposing secondary sanctions on countries trading with Iran.
Separately, Tuesday marked one year since Israeli soldiers killed 22 Palestinians, including journalists and rescue workers, in a strike on a hospital in Gaza. No one has been held accountable, and Israeli officials maintain the target was a Hamas camera on the hospital roof.