Iran war latest: Cargo ship hit in Strait of Hormuz after US says it struck mine-laying boats
Iran War Update: Cargo Ship Flames in Hormuz Strait as US Targets Mine-Laying Boats
On the 12th day of the ongoing conflict, a container vessel is currently ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that Iran has effectively paralyzed. The incident follows reports of an attack, with the latest developments unfolding as Sky News hosts a live Q&A session featuring analyst Michael Clarke at 1pm.
UK Maritime Authority Confirms Second Strike in the Region
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre has confirmed another strike targeting a cargo ship in the Iran-controlled strait. The unknown projectile caused a fire onboard, prompting the vessel to request assistance and begin evacuating its crew. The location of the impact is significant, as the collision occurred near the strait’s narrowest point, indicating a possible attempt to navigate through the chokepoint.
Just two hours prior, a second cargo ship was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile, adding to the growing concerns about maritime security in the area. This marks the second such incident in a short span, escalating the tension in the region.
Disruption of Oil Traffic and Rising Costs
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments, has seen nearly all traffic halt. Iran’s blockade has forced ships to alter routes or go “dark” by disabling tracking systems, according to data from IMF Portwatch. Under normal conditions, around 30,000 vessels traverse the strait annually, averaging 82 per day.
The strategic importance of the strait has led to dramatic fluctuations in oil prices. After a six-year high single-day surge on Monday, the market has since stabilized, though Brent crude remains elevated by 20% from the war’s onset.
Iran’s actions have not only disrupted shipping but also prompted international reactions. Donald Trump warned that Iran would face “death, fire and fury” if it continued to interfere with oil flows, while the US remains open to escorting vessels through the strait, as stated by the White House.
Israel’s Strikes and Hezbollah’s Response
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its attacks on Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon. Over the past hours, military strikes caused a building to catch fire, though casualties have yet to be reported. Nearly 500 lives have been lost in Lebanon since the conflict began.
Israel claims its operations are aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s threat, particularly after the militia launched rockets into northern regions as retaliation for a recent US-Israeli assault on Iran. The cross-border exchanges of fire have persisted through the night, with both sides engaging in continuous missile activity.
Tracking the Impact of the Blockade
Sky News’ Data & Forensics team has been monitoring 13 ships that passed through the strait between 2 and 9 March. This represents a fraction of the actual crossings, as many vessels hide their movements by switching off tracking systems. Iran’s strategy includes deploying a mix of ballistic missiles, drones, and unmanned boats to enforce its control, as noted by Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
“They can’t physically close a waterway of that size, but the threat is there,” said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List Intelligence. “Iran has a proven history of using everything from ballistic missiles to unmanned aerial and seaborne drones.”
Earlier, US forces conducted strikes against 16 Iranian mine-laying boats near the strait, following Trump’s condemnation of Iran’s mine deployment. Tehran had warned of setting ships on fire in response to the war’s escalation, but no immediate claims have been made by Iran regarding the latest attack.
By Nicole Johnston, news correspondent in Sydney, Australia. One of Iranian women’s football players who was planni
