A serious incident has occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical hubs of global trade. Iran attacked a civilian cargo vessel flying the flag of Singapore. The strike took place off the coast of Oman, and preliminary reports indicate the ship was hit by an unidentified projectile.

As a result of the shelling, the ship's bridge sustained damage. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the crew remained unharmed. However, the attack itself threatens regional stability and raises concerns about the safety of maritime transport.

The Battle for Routes: USA vs. Iran

The incident was caused by a sharp confrontation between Tehran and Washington regarding navigation rules in the strait. The United States approves and promotes a route running along the coast of Oman. Meanwhile, Iran demands that all vessels follow the northern route.

Following the shelling, the Hormuz Strait Management Authority (PGSA), established with Tehran's support, issued a stern statement. The document emphasizes that any passage outside the limits defined by the PGSA does not fall under security guarantees.

The agency's statement reads:

  • Vessels traveling on unauthorized routes are not entitled to insurance coverage.
  • Responsibility for the consequences of passing through the 'wrong' route lies entirely with the ship's owner, operator, and captain.

Political Context: From Closing the Strait to a 'Hotline'

The situation in the strait remains extremely tense against the backdrop of recent political events. On June 20, it was reported that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz, just a few days after signing a peace agreement with the USA.

However, by June 22, Washington and Tehran had agreed to establish a special 'hotline'. It was assumed that this mechanism would ensure safe vessel movement and reduce the risk of conflict.

The following day, June 23, US President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz was 'fully open'. He also noted that on June 21, more oil had been transported through it than ever before, demonstrating that trade flows had not been halted.

In turn, on June 24, the US made it clear that passage through the strait would remain free. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that no country in the world would support the introduction of transit fees, serving as a direct response to potential Iranian demands.