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An oil tanker belonging to China has become the victim of attack near the Strait of Hormuz. This is believed to be the first known incident of targeting of a Chinese tanker after the increasing tension between Iran and America. This attack has raised concern at the international level, because China has long been considered a close ally of Iran.

The incident has come to light at a time when the security situation in the Gulf region is continuously deteriorating. The news of this attack has raised new fears about global maritime trade and energy supplies amid US President Donald Trump’s announcement of Project Freedom to help ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

How did you get information about the attack?

According to media reports, this attack took place earlier this week. Information about this incident became public on Monday. In the report, this is the first case in which a Chinese oil tanker was targeted.

According to the report, pictures obtained from the ship showed a fire on the deck. However, it is not yet clear whether any crew member has been injured in the attack or not. Maritime security sources have identified the damaged ship as a Marshall Islands-flagged oil and chemical tanker. It was reported that the ship had sent emergency messages after a fire on deck while passing near the coast of UAE.

Tension increased in the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is counted among the world’s most important energy routes. Globally, approximately 20 percent of oil and gas supply passes through this route. The region has been under constant tension since the conflict between America, Israel and Iran started on February 28. Hundreds of ships and about 20,000 sailors are said to be stranded in the Gulf region due to the ongoing attacks by Iran. The ever-increasing military tension has also affected international maritime traffic.

Talks between Iran and China in Beijing

Amidst this incident, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. There was discussion between the two leaders on normalizing the passage of the Strait of Hormuz. The increasing contacts between China and Iran are taking place at a time when the regional situation has become more sensitive.

America’s action in response to Iranian attacks

On Thursday, May 7, the US Army informed about taking action against Iranian military bases in response to Iranian attacks. This is being said to be America’s first direct attack on Iran after the ceasefire in early April.

According to the US Central Command, the Iranian military tried to target three American destroyers passing through the Strait of Hormuz through drones, missiles and small boats. In response, the American Army retaliated and destroyed those attacks.

A US official told the media that Iranian military facilities in Bandar Abbas and Qeshm were attacked. At the same time, President Trump said in a post that the Iranian attackers have suffered huge losses. He also warned Iran to reach an agreement soon.