Iran intensifies attacks on container ships in Strait of Hormuz

Kathmandu. Iran has intensified its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. These attacks occurred just hours after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran at the request of Pakistan.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), at least three container ships were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz region on Wednesday morning.

Reports indicate that gunboats linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a Liberia-registered vessel northeast of Oman with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.

The ship's bridge sustained damage, though no fire or environmental damage was reported, and all crew members are safe.

Security sources stated that there were three individuals aboard the gunboat. The ship's captain reported that there was no prior radio contact and that they had initially been granted permission to pass through the strait. 

UKMTO reported a second incident in which a Panama-registered ship was fired upon approximately 8 nautical miles west of Iran.

In this incident, the ship sustained no damage and the crew remains safe. Similarly, in a third incident, another Liberia-registered ship departing from near Iran was fired upon. Although the vessel was forced to stop, it sustained no damage and the crew is safe.