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The US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces reported an attack by Iran on a Panama-flagged oil tanker, Kiku, while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 27 June.
Oil Tanker KIKU, image credit: IikaJzuchiN
The incident occurred at around 08:00 hrs UTC while the 333-meter-long oil tanker was carrying 2 million barrels of crude from the Al Shaheen Offshore Terminal in Qatar, en route to Fujairah, UAE. According to Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the tanker was attacked by an unknown projectile that damaged the bridge. Authorities reported that all crew members are safe and that no environmental damage was observed.
The incident marked the second attack on a commercial vessel within two days, following the June 25 drone strike on the containership Ever Lovely, which was hit while transiting the southern shipping corridor of the Strait.
The US accused Iran of continuing attacks on vessels despite being allowed to uphold a 60-day ceasefire agreement. CENTCOM, in retaliation for attacks on commercial vessels, launched military attacks targeting multiple Iranian military assets, including surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities.
Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced early on Sunday that it had launched a joint missile and drone operation targeting eight US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Following the exchange of fire, the US and Iran accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
These latest attacks have further escalated regional tensions, raising concerns over the security of merchant shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
