Projectile Hits Vessel Near Hormuz as Brent Tops $90 in Escalating US-Iran Conflict

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 20

A vessel struck by an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz caught fire and drifted off Oman; the crew abandoned ship and was recovered by a tug, UKMTO said.
The attack came as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said two “non-compliant” tankers had been halted and as fighting further disrupted traffic through the chokepoint that carries about 20% of global oil supply.
Brent crude briefly rose above $90 a barrel and the US average gasoline price reached $4 a gallon, reflecting fears that damage to ships and Gulf energy infrastructure will prolong supply disruptions.
Washington is sending additional F-16s, F-35s and refueling tankers into the region after fresh US troop deaths in Iraq and Jordan, even as US and Iranian officials say they remain open to talks.

Sources

Was the vessel fire near Hormuz a tragic accident or another attack in the escalating US-Iran conflict?

With rising attacks and GPS jamming, is safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz now effectively impossible?

As Hormuz oil flow plummets, will this incident push crude prices toward the feared $200 per barrel mark?