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The military action followed Iran’s attack one day earlier on a Singapore flagged cargo vessel traveling through the Strait of Hormuz
A U. S. official confirmed the drone strike damaged the ship’s bridge, though no injuries or environmental damage were reported.
The latest exchange threatens to complicate the fragile ceasefire agreement reached between Washington and Tehran earlier this month.
Under the 14 point memorandum of understanding negotiated by the two countries, Iran agreed to use its “best efforts” to ensure safe, toll free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while both sides negotiate a broader agreement covering Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues
Following the agreement, commercial shipping through the strategic waterway increased sharply and global oil prices fell toward pre-war levels.
The United States supports routing ships through the southern portion of the strait near Oman’s coastline, while Iran insists commercial vessels continue using routes closer to its own shores and has suggested commercial tolls could eventually be imposed after the temporary agreement expires
Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority warned Thursday that vessels using routes outside those designated by Iranian authorities would not receive safe-passage guarantees or insurance protections.
The renewed military action also raises new questions about the future of ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
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