Tanker Hit in the Strait of Hormuz on the First Day of the U.S.-Iran 'Economic War'

[Financial News] On the first day the United States declared economic sanctions against Iran, a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, the artery of global oil supplies. As Washington tightens the screws on Iran's finances, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are rising again.
According to CNN and other outlets on the 25th local time, UKMTO said a tanker sailing about 9 nautical miles (16.7 km) off the northeastern coast of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile.
The attack damaged the vessel's engine room, leaving it unable to operate. No casualties have been reported. It has not yet been confirmed whether the strike caused marine pollution, and the ship's nationality and destination have not been disclosed.
UKMTO said, "The relevant authorities are investigating the incident," and advised vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to heighten vigilance and immediately report any suspicious activity. The attacker has not yet been identified.
The latest strike drew attention because it came just after the Trump administration expanded pressure on Iran into the economic arena. On the 24th, Eastern Time (ET), the administration announced what it called an "economic isolation operation," which would also sanction third countries that trade in certain goods with Iran. The plan is to cut off Iran's trade and funding through secondary sanctions that also target countries doing business with Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route through which crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Middle Eastern producers reach the global market. If attacks on ships continue, concerns over disruptions to oil transport could add further upward pressure on international oil prices and marine insurance premiums.

[email protected] Kim Kyung-min Reporter