Iranian forces struck a Thai ship as it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The attack set the vessel on fire and forced most of the crew to evacuate. Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the strike.
Trump Warns Iran Against Disruption
United States President Donald Trump had warned Iran days earlier not to interfere with shipping in the vital waterway. “Any attempt to stop oil flows will bring severe consequences,” Trump stated. He added on his Truth Social platform that Iran would face military action twenty times harder than previous strikes.
The Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree came under attack while sailing near the coast of Oman. Projectiles struck the ship and caused a fire in the engine room. The incident occurred shortly after the vessel left the United Arab Emirates.
Crew Members Face Danger
Twenty crew members escaped the burning ship and reached safety. Omani forces rescued the sailors. However three crew members remained missing as search operations continued. Thai officials confirmed the details of the evacuation.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards admitted they fired on the ship. “The vessel ignored warnings and tried to transit the strait,” they stated. As reported by ALO360, this marked one of three vessels hit by projectiles in the area on the same day.
Regional Tensions Continue to Rise
The strike formed part of a wider pattern of attacks on commercial shipping. Iran had threatened to target any ships attempting to pass through the strait. Meanwhile similar incidents affected other vessels in nearby waters.
The Strait of Hormuz carries about one fifth of the world’s oil supply. Analysts noted that repeated attacks raised fears over energy security. Shipping companies began to reroute vessels away from the dangerous area.