As signs of normalization in shipping through the Hormuz Strait emerged, Iran has reportedly resumed attacks on commercial vessels in the area. This development raises concerns about the safety of navigation in the strait and the potential impact on ongoing peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
On July 6, the Wall Street Journal and Axios reported, citing U.S. officials, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired two missiles early that morning, striking two commercial vessels operating in the Hormuz Strait.
Earlier that day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker operating near the coast of Oman, south of the Hormuz Strait, was hit by an unidentified projectile, resulting in a fire. One of the affected vessels is believed to be the Al Rekayat, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier owned by Qatar's state gas transport company, Nakilat, according to the Wall Street Journal.
This incident occurred after a one-week period of de-escalation in the Hormuz Strait, agreed upon by the U.S. and Iran on June 28, raising new concerns about the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU). The Wall Street Journal noted that the attack comes at a time when shipping traffic in the Hormuz Strait was showing signs of recovery, suggesting that U.S.-Iran negotiations for peace may face significant challenges.
Additionally, the Wall Street Journal highlighted that the attack coincided with the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating the significant influence of the hardline IRGC within Iran. A recording obtained by the Wall Street Journal revealed that the IRGC had warned commercial vessels transiting the Hormuz Strait over the weekend via maritime radio, stating, "Our missiles and drones are ready to be launched at you."
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran held indirect negotiations in Qatar last week, mediated by a third party, but no tangible results were achieved. Follow-up talks are expected to take place after Khamenei's funeral.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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