Strait of Hormuz Attack and Diplomatic Contacts Between the US and Iran
Following an attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, a fire was extinguished while the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln prepares to pull into port. Meanwhile, Iran continues its diplomatic and economic contacts with China and Russia.
Amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, a tanker was targeted by an unknown munition in the Strait of Hormuz. Alongside military activity in the region, diplomatic steps are being taken with China, Russia, and the UN.
Tanker Attack in the Strait of Hormuz and Navigation Regime
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that an unidentified munition struck a tanker near Khasab, Oman. While the resulting fire was extinguished, there were no casualties or environmental damage in the incident. Iran, meanwhile, continues its blockade of the strait.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi stated that Iran and Oman had agreed on ship traffic and revenue sharing in the strait, but blamed US interference for keeping the waterway closed.
Tour of Duty of the USS Abraham Lincoln
It was reported that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which remained continuously at sea for more than 250 days during operations against Iran, will stop in Thailand next week for rest. The aircraft carrier will subsequently return to San Diego.
Diplomatic Contacts with China, Russia, and the UN
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised China for refusing to comply with new US sanctions. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for the condemnation of unilateral US sanctions.
Iranian officials met with Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller in St. Petersburg. The meeting focused on technical agreements envisaging the transport of Russian natural gas to Iran via Azerbaijan.