Reports of missile launch toward Hormuz, claims of strike on American vessel

The pro-Iranian news agency Saberin reported a missile launch toward the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iranian claims emerged of a strike on American vessels in the area. There is no independent verification of the events. The report comes amid escalating maritime tensions between the US and Iran, including an Iranian attempt to seize an American unmanned vessel that was destroyed. Commercial traffic in the strait has dropped to just three ships.

The pro-Iranian news agency Saberin reported a missile launch toward the Strait of Hormuz, noting that these are "unofficial reports." Simultaneously, Iranian and pro-Iranian media outlets published claims that American vessels in the area were attacked and damaged. At this stage, there is no official confirmation from the United States and no independent verification of the events. The report comes amid severe maritime escalation: last Monday, two fast boats of the Revolutionary Guard attempted to seize an American unmanned vessel, and an American drone destroyed them in response. Earlier, the Revolutionary Guard Navy claimed to have struck a Saildrone Explorer intelligence-gathering vessel. The conflict is exacting a heavy economic toll: on Wednesday, only three commercial ships crossed the strait, compared to an average of 17. The price of a barrel of oil is approaching $110. According to Shell, approximately 1.6 billion barrels of oil have been removed from the global market since February.