The United States has called on the United Nations to rally international condemnation against Iran and ensure the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Tuesday, while addressing journalists, said Iran must not be allowed to dictate access to the strategic waterway, following reports of attacks on vessels, according to Reuters.
On Monday, the US Central Command said Iran fired cruise missiles and drones, and deployed small boats against US-flagged ships in the strait, noting that no vessels were hit and no injuries were recorded.
Iran, however, described the strikes as “warning shots” near hostile vessels after US destroyers allegedly attempted to approach Hormuz, warning that such moves would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
On the same day, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates reported strikes on ships in the channel.
Iran also accused the US of killing five civilians in the strait, claiming its forces targeted passenger vessels rather than boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as alleged by Washington.
About a quarter of the world’s oil trade, along with significant volumes of fuel and fertiliser, passes through the narrow seaway.
Geographically, Iran exercises de facto control over the strait, though this has been contested by the US, particularly after Washington launched a joint attack with Israel against Iran in February.
