DUBAI/WASHINGTON June 26, 2026 — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck a Singapore-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, June 25, escalating tensions in the vital waterway shortly after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at reopening the route.
The Singapore-flagged vessel Ever Lovely was hit by a projectile—identified by U.S. officials as an Iranian drone—on its starboard side while transiting near Oman’s coast, approximately 14 km (7.5 nautical miles) southeast of the port of Dahit. The attack damaged the ship’s bridge but caused no casualties, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and multiple maritime security sources.
The incident occurred hours after Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority warned commercial vessels to avoid unsanctioned routes through the strait and seek Tehran’s prior approval. The Ever Lovely was reportedly using a new UN-backed corridor promoted by Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In response, the IMO immediately paused its initiative to evacuate stranded sailors from the region. The agency had been working to safely escort vessels amid ongoing disruptions.
This marks a direct challenge to the fragile U.S.-Iran agreement reached in mid-June 2026, which sought to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and restore global oil flows. The strait handles about 20% of the world’s oil trade. U.S. President Donald Trump had extended the ceasefire to allow time for further negotiations.
U.S. officials directly attributed the strike to the IRGC. Iran has not officially claimed responsibility but has asserted control over transit lanes in the waterway.
The attack comes amid broader regional strains, including recent warnings from Iran against using non-approved routes and efforts by Gulf states and the U.S. to ensure freedom of navigation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reiterated that demands for tolls or permissions by Iran are unacceptable.
Shipping sources report increased caution among operators. Oil prices, which had eased following the ceasefire, could face renewed upward pressure. No immediate details were available on the Ever Lovely’s cargo or next steps for the crew, who are reported safe.
Analysts view the strike as a test of the recent deal and a reminder of Iran’s strategic leverage over one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Further diplomatic efforts, possibly involving Pakistan-mediated talks, are expected as both sides navigate the fragile peace.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge from U.S., Iranian, and maritime authorities.
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