Explosions Reported In Strait Of Hormuz As Iran's Revolutionary Guard Claims Ship Attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it struck vessels in the waterway as Gulf capitals urged President Trump to hold back from escalating.
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Map: The Gulf and Hormuz, marking Strait of Hormuz
Gulf capitals are pressing Trump to hold back from escalating with Iran as he meets on the issue today. Trump has said he is open to talks with Iranian officials "under right conditions," though CNN reports no US-Iran meeting is currently scheduled.
The attack follows days of diplomatic maneuvering. Iran's foreign minister traveled to New York for talks at the United Nations, and Tehran had offered to reopen the strait if the United States lifted its blockade. Iranian sources cited by Fars have since called reports of a reopening deal invalid. The Revolutionary Guard has said it must negotiate if national interests require it. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said sanctions are crippling Iran's economy and that Washington will not close the door to talks with Tehran.
Oil markets had steadied in recent days as supply concerns eased on signs of renewed diplomacy and improving flows through the strait. Direct attacks on shipping undercut that momentum, built as Qatar worked to facilitate talks and Iran's foreign minister traveled to New York. The escalation raises the risk that military tensions override negotiation efforts, making a near-term resolution less likely and keeping upside pressure on crude prices.