Iran Attacks Ship in Strait of Hormuz, Orders Vessels to Use Its Route

Ship using a detour through Omani waters comes under attack

Iran attacked a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz on June 25 after saying it had failed to use a route designated by Tehran. The move appeared aimed at cracking down on attempts to pass through the strait via Omani territorial waters and outside Iran’s control.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, attacked the Singapore-flagged container ship Ever Lovely in Omani waters that day. A senior US official told the newspaper that an attack drone hit the bridge, where the ship’s steering controls are located.

The attack came hours after Iran’s navy warned ships not to use “unauthorized” routes through the strait. The IRGC also said at least three vessels, including a large oil tanker, turned back after receiving Iranian warnings while trying to pass through the waterway that day. Those ships were also attempting to transit the strait along the Omani coast.

Earlier, Oman said it would work with the International Maritime Organization to provide a temporary tanker route along its coastline that would be safe and free of transit fees. The route designated by Iran runs through Iranian territorial waters. The report said Iran wants ships in the strait to use its designated lane, which would make it easier to impose fees after the ceasefire period.

The Journal said Iran estimates it could generate $40 billion a year from the region by charging for security, safety and environmental services in the strait. Under the plan, neighboring countries would share the revenue rather than Iran keeping it alone. The newspaper added that Iran is also open to US participation in that arrangement.

Lee Sang-eun, Washington correspondent, Hankyung.com selee@hankyung.com