An attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz has raised tensions and cast doubt on a recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The incident occurred on Thursday off the coast of Dahit, Oman, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping corridor through which approximately 20 percent of worldwide oil exports pass. According to the United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations Centre, the vessel’s bridge was damaged by an “unknown projectile” during the attack. No casualties were reported.
The assault follows a U.S.-Iran agreement signed in late February aimed at ending hostilities and ensuring safe passage through the Strait for 60 days. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily paused an evacuation plan for stranded vessels in the Persian Gulf, citing the need to confirm “safety guarantees” are intact.
“The safety of the seafarers remains paramount… Therefore, to ensure a coordinated approach and navigational safety, the evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained,” said Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously warned that any vessel movement inconsistent with the agreement — including threats to ships or unauthorized entries into the Strait — would constitute a violation. The incident has intensified concerns over the stability of the U.S.-Iran truce, as Washington seeks unrestricted passage along the Omani coastline while Tehran insists all vessels must obtain prior permission.
