Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 22: Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps opened fire on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, damaging the vessel in a fresh escalation amid stalled ceasefire talks.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the incident occurred around 7:55 am local time when a Guard gunboat approached the vessel and opened fire without prior warning.

The ship’s bridge sustained heavy damage, though no injuries or environmental impact were reported. The attack took place approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, and all crew members were reported safe. UKMTO has advised ships in the region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

However, Iran offered a different account of the incident. The Tasnim News Agency said Iranian forces acted after the vessel ignored repeated warnings, asserting that the action was in line with maritime enforcement.

“Iran enforces Maritime Law on container ship defying warnings,” the agency said in a social media post, adding that the ship sustained significant damage after failing to comply.

The conflicting versions underline escalating tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route that handles a substantial portion of global oil shipments.

The latest development follows a series of maritime confrontations. US forces had recently seized an Iranian container ship and boarded an oil tanker linked to Tehran’s oil trade, further straining ties between the two sides.

Tensions have been rising since April 20, when Iranian forces reportedly launched drones towards US warships following an alleged attack on an Iranian vessel.

Tehran has accused the United States of violating a ceasefire and engaging in “maritime piracy,” while Washington has maintained its naval blockade.

With both sides trading accusations and disruptions continuing in the Strait of Hormuz, concerns over maritime security and the risk of further escalation in the region remain high.