Axios reports, citing an American official, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched at least two missiles at merchant ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, causing heavy damage to the vessels. The report is from a single source and has not been independently confirmed.
An Axios report citing an American official states that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired at least two missiles at merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday morning, causing heavy damage to the vessels. This is the latest development in a fast-moving story that The Zioneer has been tracking since 03:34 Jerusalem, when initial reports described the IRGC firing on commercial vessels. Subsequent updates confirmed that two merchant ships were hit, that the attack used ballistic missiles, and that no casualties were reported. The new element in the Axios report is the specific claim of heavy damage, which had not been mentioned in earlier reports.
The Zioneer's thread on this incident began at 03:34 Jerusalem with an unconfirmed report of IRGC fire on commercial vessels. Minutes later, a second version specified that at least two missiles were launched. A third version reported that the attacks resumed after the expiration of a week-long US-Iran understanding on a cessation of attacks. By 03:34, U.S. officials confirmed to journalist Barak Ravid that ballistic missiles were used and that the United States was expected to respond forcefully. Additional versions confirmed that the targeted vessels were civilian merchant ships and that no casualties were reported, with journalist Asaf Rozentsweig citing US sources that the US is expected to retaliate with its own strikes.
The Zioneer has previously reported on a series of IRGC actions in the Strait of Hormuz, including warning shots at US warships on June 5, nightly drone launches against US Navy ships on June 17, and missile strikes on vessels on June 12. The IRGC has also claimed hits on American targets on June 11 and diverted ships on July 5. The current report, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in Iran's maritime posture, as it involves heavy damage to commercial shipping, with potential implications for global oil transit through the strait.
The Axios report remains unverified by independent sources. No details have been released on the identity, nationality, or crew status of the affected ships. The extent of the damage and any casualties are still unclear. The Zioneer continues to monitor the situation and will update as more information becomes available.
9 developments
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Source and signal
- Internal intake