Cargo Ship Struck by Projectile in Strait of Hormuz
Attack reignites regional tensions amid conflicting reports on US-Iran negotiations and a critical chokepoint for global energy.
Carla Rooney
A cargo ship was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, directly contradicted claims by Donald Trump, asserting no discussions are underway.
Trump maintains Iran has 'begged' for negotiations, insisting talks are in progress to resolve the stand-off.
Donald Trump further asserted the Strait of Hormuz could be opened 'literally by tomorrow' as a first phase, followed by denuclearisation.
The Strait of Hormuz could be opened 'literally by tomorrow' as a first phase, followed by denuclearisation.
Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are actively involved in ongoing mediation efforts to de-escalate the volatile situation.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar urged restraint, allowing mediators critical time to broker a new deal.
A preliminary agreement signed between the US and Iran in mid-June to end their conflict and reopen the strait collapsed within weeks.
Iran and Oman are believed to be close to an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Neither country nor the mediating parties have released specific details about a potential deal.
Iranian officials claim shipping entering the Gulf would use a route controlled by Iran close to its coast, with outbound shipping utilizing a route near Oman's coast.
Esmail Baqai claims Iran would continue to stop ships traversing the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in place.
Esmail Baqai indicated that Iran would continue to stop ships traversing the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in place.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported several attacks on ships in the region over the past week.
An attack on July 25th reportedly resulted in the death of one crew member and the destruction of a vessel, according to Iranian officials.
All 14 people on board the recently struck vessel, 13 of whom were Indian nationals, were safely rescued.
Oil prices decreased by 2% following optimistic speculation.
Donald Trump described the situation as 'unbelievably duplicitous'.