Iranian Gunboat Attacks Container Ship off Oman Coast; Bridge Damaged, No Casualties

Dubai, 22nd (CNA / Foreign Media) - The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported today that an Iranian gunboat fired at a container ship off the coast of Oman, causing damage to the hull but fortunately resulting in no casualties. As US-Iran ceasefire talks remain stalled, this action has once again heightened regional tensions.

According to AFP and AP, the UKMTO stated that the container ship's captain reported a gunboat belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) approached the vessel and opened fire, causing severe damage to the bridge. No fire broke out on board, there was no environmental impact such as oil spills, and all crew members are safe.

The UKMTO said the incident occurred around 7:55 a.m. local time, 15 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. The gunboat did not issue a warning to the container ship before opening fire.

Iranian officials have not yet made a formal response to this maritime attack.

The US military struck and seized an Iranian container ship last weekend, and also boarded an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean. (Translated by Liu Shu-chin) 1150422