New tension is being reported in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran reportedly launched a missile attack on a merchant ship operating in the region.
The British Army said the Revolutionary Guards targeted a ship that was about 46 kilometers northeast of Oman, with authorities investigating the circumstances of the attack.
The incident follows earlier reports that two ships were fired upon in the same area, heightening concerns about the safety of shipping.
At the same time, Tehran has re-announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blaming the United States for what it claims is a failure to meet commitments.
Diplomatic sources say the decision is related to increased demands from the US side, while the Iranian government has signaled that it will not resume talks without a change of terms.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has made it clear that there can be no new date for negotiations without a common framework of agreement, stressing that his country will not accept terms it considers contrary to international law.
Referring to Donald Trump’s statements on possible military action, he argued that they are contradictory, but reiterated that Iran is not seeking conflict but is ready to defend itself in case of an attack.
