Iran Strikes Cargo Vessel Near Hormuz, UN Suspends Evacuation of 11,000 Sailors

A cargo ship was struck by what the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) described as an unidentified projectile approximately 7.5 nautical miles from Oman's port of Dahit, forcing the UN International Maritime Organization to temporarily suspend its program to shepherd ships and seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Waterway Management Organization warned that vessels using routes it has not approved will face consequences borne entirely by the ship's captain and owning company. The incident occurred against the backdrop of a preliminary US-Iran memorandum of understanding, with JD Vance announcing a direct CENTCOM-IRGC communications channel established in Qatar to prevent further escalation. Saudi Aramco separately resumed oil loading at its Ras Tanura terminal — its first loadings in nearly four months — with two Very Large Crude Carriers taking on cargo, each capable of loading 2 million barrels. The attack has reignited fears that Iran's hardline factions can veto any deal by targeting shipping.