Key facts
- A cargo ship, the Minoan Pioneer, was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The incident occurred approximately 37 kilometers northeast of Al Khasab, Oman.
- The strike damaged the vessel's engine room, and a fire broke out in the accommodation area.
- The crew abandoned the vessel, and one seafarer is reported missing.
- The incident occurred amid conflicting US-Iran claims regarding ongoing talks.
A cargo ship, the Minoan Pioneer, was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 37 kilometers northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO). The incident occurred at 2 a.m. local time, damaging the vessel's engine room and causing a fire in the accommodation area. The crew abandoned the ship, and one seafarer is reported missing, maritime security sources said. British maritime security firm Vanguard reported the projectile struck the engine room, leading to a fire that the crew was fighting.
The strike occurred amid conflicting claims between the United States and Iran regarding ongoing talks. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that talks with Iran had resumed, but Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied any negotiations with the U.S., asserting that Tehran was only discussing safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards also stated they had stopped two 'non-compliant oil tankers' attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in explosions and fires aboard the vessels.