British maritime authorities reported Wednesday that a container ship was shelled near Oman by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after disregarding warnings.
Container Ship Attack Confirmed
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of an incident 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The container ship’s captain reported that a unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approached and then opened fire, causing significant damage to the bridge.
No fires or environmental damage were reported, and the entire crew is safe.
Iran Admits to Warnings, Second Incident Reported
Iran’s Tasnim news agency stated that the container ship “ignored warnings from Iranian armed forces.” A second incident was later reported 8 nautical miles west of Iran.
The captain of an outbound cargo ship reported being fired upon and detained. The crew is safe, and no damage to the ship was reported.
Third Vessel Targeted Near Strait of Hormuz
Reuters reported unofficially that a third container ship was shelled approximately eight nautical miles west of Iran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was flying the Liberian flag, and the crew was unharmed.
Rising Incidents in Key Gulf Region
From February 28, 2026, to 8:00 AM on April 22, the UKMTO received 35 incident reports (including 22 attacks) concerning ships operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. A total of 22 attacks were reported.
IRGC Threatens Persian Gulf States
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced Tuesday that it would strike oil facilities in Persian Gulf states if fighting resumes. IRGC Air Force Commander Majid Musawi stated that if neighboring countries allow their territory to be used for attacks against Iran, “they will have to say goodbye to oil extraction in the Middle East.”
Retaliatory Attacks and Temporary Ceasefire
Iran has previously attacked the production infrastructure of Persian Gulf states in retaliation for the war initiated by Israel and the USA against Iran on February 28. A two-week ceasefire, extended late Tuesday evening (April 21) by Donald Trump, is currently in effect.
US Conditions Ceasefire, Maintains Blockade
The US President announced that the ceasefire is valid until negotiations with Iran conclude. He emphasized that American forces will continue to blockade Iranian ports. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced further economic pressure on Iran, including a blockade, predicting that oil storage on Khark Island will fill within days, forcing Iran to halt production.
Iran Demands End to “Policy of Pressure and Threats”
Iranian authorities reject negotiations conducted under pressure or talks that involve surrender. An Iranian official stated that they will engage in negotiations with the US if Washington abandons its “policy of pressure and threats,” adding that the US side “creates new difficulties instead of solving problems.”
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Complicates Negotiations
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz complicates negotiations. Iran has almost completely blocked this strategically important shipping lane for oil and gas exports since the start of the war. The US has announced its own blockade of Iranian ports to weaken the Iranian economy, even after the ceasefire. Suspension of movement through the Strait of Hormuz has caused global commodity prices to rise.
