Iran Accused of Drone Attack on Cargo Ship Near Strait of Hormuz

Cargo Ship Hit Near Oman

A cargo ship traveling near the Strait of Hormuz was reportedly attacked off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

Reuters reported that the Singapore-flagged container ship Ever Lovely was struck on its starboard side by a projectile about 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s port of Duqm.

The ship suffered damage to part of its bridge, but no injuries or marine pollution were reported. Authorities are investigating the incident.

U.S. Officials Point to Iran

The Wall Street Journal, citing senior U.S. officials, reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a suicide drone at the vessel.

The attack comes amid growing tension over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

IMO Suspends Strait Exit Operation

The International Maritime Organization said it suspended a planned exit operation through the Omani route after the reported strike, citing navigation safety concerns.

The IMO said the attacked cargo ship was not part of that operation.

Iran had previously warned that routes not designated by Tehran could not be considered safe.

Iran Pushes Back Against U.S. and Gulf States

Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected a joint U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council statement opposing tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it provocative and interventionist.

Tehran claimed the strait lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and argued that its ceasefire memorandum with the United States should guide future shipping arrangements.

The United States has maintained that freedom of navigation must continue without tolls.

Security Takeaway

This is another reminder that Iran’s regime and its terror network remain a direct threat to global shipping, regional security, and America’s allies. The free world cannot allow Tehran to turn the Strait of Hormuz into a weapon.