A tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire on board but no injuries among the crew, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Thursday, as Iran tightened measures related to maritime traffic through the strait.
Investigation into tanker damage and circumstances of attack
The agency said it had received a third-party report that the tanker was struck while passing through the waterway. It added that the extent of the damage to the vessel and the incident's potential environmental impact remained unknown, as authorities continued investigating the circumstances of the attack and identifying those responsible.
The agency urged vessels in the area to "proceed with caution" and asked them to report any suspicious activity to UK Maritime Trade Operations until the ongoing investigation into the incident was completed. The attack on the tanker coincided with the disclosure of details of a new bill being debated by Iran's parliament to regulate the administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian bill to regulate passage through the strait
Hassan Qashqavi, spokesman for parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said vessels belonging to non-hostile countries would require authorisation from the General Staff of the Armed Forces, in line with criteria set out in the proposed law. Qashqavi explained that the bill would prohibit vessels belonging to Israel or countries Iran considers hostile from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The ban would also cover vessels involved in military operations against Iran and those carrying military cargoes. The parliamentary spokesman said Iran's administration of the strait would centre on "security and national interests", ensuring Tehran's ability to exercise oversight and control over the strait's entrances and exits.
Qashqavi added that the "Strategic Action Plan to Ensure Security and Sustainable Progress in the Strait of Hormuz" differed substantially from previous laws. He said Article 16 of the bill provided for the repeal of any laws that conflicted with its provisions. These developments come amid restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz that have caused widespread disruption to global trade, particularly oil, gas and fertiliser trade.
