Report: Ship attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, one crew member missing

A commercial ship was attacked today, Tuesday, near the Strait of Hormuz, a security source told Reuters. According to the report, the crew abandoned the ship, and one sailor is missing.

Earlier this morning, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) reported that a cargo ship was struck by an unidentified missile in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 37 kilometers northeast of Al Hasab, Oman.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the tensions with the United States this morning, stating that “Iran defends its borders but does not seek to expand the war,” according to reports from state media in the Islamic Republic.

Last night, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Iran’s leadership, describing it as “incredibly hypocritical.” He stated:

“The talks have not been canceled; they are taking place even now — and this is Iran’s last opportunity to sign an agreement. We were supposed to attack last night, but it found out through leaks. I want to give it every opportunity before we take decisive action. I hope it comes to its senses. We will know today or tomorrow where this is going.”

Referring to Tehran, Donald Trump emphasized:

“Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are in fact talking about a solution to a problem it created over decades. Nothing will happen to Iran unless we want it to, and this will not change until an agreement is reached — or a complete surrender on its part.”

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian source told the Saudi channel Al Hadath that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to visit Pakistan. At the same time, there is “cautious optimism” regarding a breakthrough in negotiations with the U.S. concerning the Strait of Hormuz: “Mediators need additional time to announce a ceasefire.”

Earlier, Donald Trump stated that “what we are doing now is talking with Iran.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry contradicted these remarks, stating: “There are currently no direct talks with the United States, only with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz.” Addressing requests from Gulf states to hold off on an attack, Trump noted: “I was asked by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran. We were supposed to proceed, but when allies ask to cancel, you have to say, ‘Let’s see.’”

He added:

“They said there is a deal in the immediate timeframe regarding Hormuz. There is a group of people who want us to just finish it, and others who do not want me to do it. Do I prefer a deal? I don’t want to kill people.”

Additionally, Donald Trump referred to his conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: “I asked the Saudi Crown Prince what he prefers. He said he prefers a deal because you don’t know what the strikes will lead to; they could be overwhelmed by refugees and disasters — many bad things can happen.”