10 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 10
Iranian state media said the overnight strike left six people missing, citing a regional governor, while Washington had not confirmed the attack by Saturday.
The report came as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stayed severely reduced, with about 1,600 ships bottlenecked in the Gulf after days of US-Iran naval clashes.
US forces said they had turned back 58 commercial ships since 13 April, Britain deployed a destroyer, and energy prices and global markets remained under pressure.
How are Iran's low-cost drones and mines effectively challenging the world's most powerful navy in the Strait of Hormuz?
Beyond record gas prices, how will the Hormuz crisis disrupt the global supply of plastics, fertilizers, and food?
Five Civilians Killed: The May 8-9, 2026 US Attack Near Khasab and Its Global Fallout
Overview
On May 8-9, 2026, US forces attacked two small civilian cargo boats near Khasab port, Oman, as they transported goods toward Iranian shores, resulting in the deaths of five civilians. The US military did not immediately comment, and the incident quickly became a flashpoint for conflicting US and Iranian narratives. The US framed its actions under 'Project Freedom,' a new initiative ordered by President Trump to escort ships through the tense Strait of Hormuz, while Iran viewed the attack as unprovoked aggression. This event deepened mistrust, heightened regional tensions, and raised global concerns about maritime security and economic stability.