Iran strike exposes Oman’s double game in battle for alternate Hormuz route

The United States had not issued an official response by Friday after Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, in what appeared to be a violation of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding intended to guarantee freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

According to international reports, the vessel was struck by a drone near the coast of Oman, damaging its bridge. No injuries were reported. U.S. officials told Reuters that Iran fired on the cargo ship.