Cargo Ship Struck Near Strait of Hormuz Amid confusion on US-Iran Peace Talks

Muscat: A cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s coast early Tuesday, amid conflicting claims by the United States and Iran over whether talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict had resumed.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel was struck at around 2 am local time, about 37 kilometres northeast of Al Khasab, near the Strait of Hormuz. The agency did not reveal the ship’s identity, flag or cargo details. British maritime security firm Ambrey said the vessel sustained damage but did not provide further information.

The incident occurred near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies passed before the war began in February. Shipping traffic has been severely disrupted following Iranian attacks on vessels, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the region.

US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran had resumed discussions to end the conflict, a day after withdrawing a threat to launch large-scale strikes against Iran. Trump said Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had urged him to reconsider.

However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that negotiations with Washington were underway. He said Iran was holding discussions only with Oman on establishing a safe navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz.