Gulf Tanker Strikes Deepen Iran Shipping Crisis

In the 24 hours ending 14 July 07:30 UTC, attacks on Gulf shipping caused the clearest new escalation.

The United Arab Emirates said Iranian cruise missiles struck two of its tankers in Omani waters. One Indian crew member died, and eight people were wounded. Four suffered serious injuries. Both ships caught fire, but crews later extinguished the flames.

A third tanker was hit near Qalhat, Oman, by an unknown projectile. Its crew was safe, and no pollution was found.

Bahrain also faced another Iranian attack. Sirens sounded as air defenses responded to incoming weapons.

US forces carried out five hours of renewed strikes against coastal Iran. The attacks hit Bushehr and several areas around Omidiyeh in Khuzestan Province.

Donald Trump, US president, proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The fee could reach about $30 million for a full oil tanker. Iran’s foreign minister supported payment for safe passage but called 20% excessive.

Trump also formally told Congress that the United States had restored its naval blockade of Iran.

Ukrainian drones struck the Salavat oil refinery in Bashkortostan after crossing more than 1,500 kilometres of Russian airspace. The refinery continued burning heavily the next morning.