A cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, raising fresh security concerns as US President Donald Trump claimed negotiations with Iran could soon lead to the reopening of the strategic waterway.
The incident occurred in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes for global oil and gas supplies, where tensions between the United States and Iran continue despite a ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said discussions with Tehran were continuing and suggested the Strait of Hormuz could reopen “literally by tomorrow.” He also described the current moment as Iran’s “last chance before decapitation.”
The US president said he agreed to continue diplomatic engagement at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other regional partners.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place.
“We are talking right now,” Trump insisted, adding that discussions were focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump said he expected to know by Tuesday whether the talks would produce results, describing the negotiations as “not very complex.”
In a social media post earlier, he accused Tehran of being “duplicitous” for denying negotiations.
“Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking of a solution to a problem that they have caused, for decades,” he said.
Trump also pointed to the US counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
“Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished.”
The conflict between Washington and Tehran has continued since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Although a ceasefire and a preliminary agreement followed, a lasting diplomatic resolution has yet to be reached.
Iran continues to maintain restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting vessels coordinate transit with its authorities and use routes close to its coastline. Many commercial ships have instead opted for a southern route near Oman.
Early Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo vessel had been hit by an “unknown projectile” off the coast of Oman. The agency did not identify the vessel or disclose the extent of any damage or casualties, saying investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran was discussing an alternative shipping route with Oman but maintained the talks were unrelated to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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