Merchant Ship Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; Iran Fires Missiles, Two Ships Severely Damaged

Key News on Iran-U.S. War

(CNA Washington, July 6, Comprehensive Foreign News) News website Axios, citing two U.S. officials, reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz late today.

Citing a U.S. official, the report stated that two merchant ships suffered severe damage, but there were no casualties.

The U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced early on the 7th local time that an oil tanker was hit by an unknown object on its port side while sailing south about 8 nautical miles east of Limah, Oman, causing a fire. No casualties or environmental impact have been reported yet.

Despite the 60-day ceasefire agreement aimed at creating space for diplomacy, previous airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel have triggered conflict, and indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran concluded last week without any public signs of progress toward a lasting peace.

U.S. President Trump stated today that the U.S. is either going to reach a deal or make a conclusion. Trump reiterated threats of military action as Tehran showed a hardline stance after the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) today cited a recording, reporting that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned ships via maritime radio over the weekend: "Our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you."

The WSJ indicated that one of the attacked vessels appeared to be the "Al Rekayyat," a liquefied natural gas carrier owned and managed by Nakilat, Qatar's LNG shipping arm. The report added that the ship was hit on its port side, above the engine room.

The WSJ cited the recording, stating: "The engine room caught fire and was full of smoke. Further damage assessment is not possible. All crew members are safe and have gathered on the starboard side."

The report stated that the ship was attacked in the Gulf of Oman at the mouth of the strait. (Compiled by Li Pei-shan) 1150707

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