Israel-Linked Ship Severely Damaged By Onboard Fire After Iranian Attack In Hormuz Strait

Iran has said it carried out a drone strike on an Israel-linked commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the ship caught fire after the attack.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy said the vessel, identified as MSC Ishika, was hit during its ongoing operations against US and Israeli-linked targets in the region. The force said the fire on board was extensive.

The claim was shared through Iran’s official channels, including posts on social media platform X and statements carried by its news outlet Sepah News. According to the IRGC, the ship was sailing under a third country’s flag but was linked to Israel.

In its statement, the IRGC said the vessel was targeted using powerful projectiles as part of the 95th wave of its attacks in West Asia.

Some reports said the vessel was hit near Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, though there is no clear confirmation on the exact location or the level of damage.

There has been no immediate comment from Israel on Iran’s claims.

Tensions remain high in the region following a joint offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.

Iranian authorities have said more than 1,340 people were killed in those strikes, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Since then, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as areas in Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries where US military assets are based.

Israeli forces have also said they carried out strikes on several sites in Tehran, including air defence systems, missile storage facilities and locations linked to weapons research and development.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, has become increasingly risky for shipping. Iran has also placed restrictions on vessel movement through the area in recent days.

References: AA, TOI