Two cargo ships were attacked in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), in incidents likely to complicate already fragile efforts to broker peace talks between the United States and Iran.
The attacks come just a day after US president Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire, intended to allow negotiations to continue. Diplomatic efforts had centred on arranging talks in Pakistan, though their future now appears uncertain.
UKMTO reported at 08:38 a.m. that a vessel had been targeted roughly eight nautical miles off the Iranian coast. The agency also warned of “increased activity” in the area. The ship’s crew were reported safe, its position confirmed, and no damage sustained. The identity of the attackers remains unknown.
The incident followed an earlier report at 05:47 a.m. of another assault approximately 24 kilometres north-east of Oman. In that case, a vessel was approached by a boat identified as belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which allegedly opened fire and caused “significant damage” to the ship’s bridge. No injuries among the crew were reported.
These developments come amid heightened geopolitical strain following Trump’s announcement extending the truce with Iran, a move intended to give Tehran time to present what he described as a “unified proposal” to end the conflict.
Further uncertainty surrounds the diplomatic track after reports that US vice-president JD Vance has postponed a planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks. Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency indicated that Tehran’s representatives may withdraw from further negotiations altogether.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies transit through the narrow waterway.
Recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf have fuelled concerns about a potential economic shock, with markets increasingly sensitive to any disruption in energy flows.
