US Navy Strikes Iranian Commercial Vessel in Strait of Hormuz, 10 Injured, 5 Missing
Reflecto News | Breaking News | Iran-US Conflict
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON — The United States Navy struck an Iranian-flagged commercial vessel in waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz late Thursday, leaving 10 crew members injured and five others missing, an Iranian official confirmed on Friday .
The attack, which took place overnight in the volatile waters between the Strait of Hormuz and the Makran Sea near Oman, has dramatically escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran . US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were carried out after Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats at three US warships — the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason — that were transiting the strait .
🔥 The Incident: A Cargo Ship on Fire
According to Mohammad Radmehr, the governor of Minab county in southern Iran, a civilian cargo vessel belonging to residents of the Kolahi district was struck by US forces in waters off Minab .
The vessel caught fire after being hit, according to the Iranian official . The vessel reportedly had 15 crew members on board at the time .
“During the Americans’ aggressive actions last night in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Makran Sea (Gulf of Oman), a cargo vessel near the waters of Minab was struck and caught fire.” — Mohammad Radmehr, Governor of Minab county, via Mehr news agency
Casualty figures:
- Injured: 10 crew members — all have been transferred to local hospitals
- Missing: 5 crew members — search and rescue operations are ongoing
As of Friday evening, Iranian officials had not confirmed whether any of the missing sailors had been found. The cargo vessel was identified as a commercial ship owned by residents of the Kolahi district in Minab, not a military vessel
🎯 The US Position: ‘Self-Defense’ After Iranian Attacks
CENTCOM has confirmed the engagement but described it as a “defensive” action. According to a statement from the command, Iranian forces launched an “unprovoked attack” on three US Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening .
The US military stated that it intercepted the incoming projectiles and responded with “self-defense strikes” against Iranian military infrastructure, including missile and drone launch sites, at Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas .
President Donald Trump addressed the escalation on Friday, insisting that the fragile April 8 ceasefire remains intact despite the exchange of fire. “The ceasefire is going. It’s in effect,” Trump told reporters, describing the strikes as “just a love tap”
The US maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports, and the Pentagon has confirmed that more than 70 tankers are currently being blocked from entering or leaving Iranian waters as part of the “Project Freedom” operation
🔴 Ceasefire Under Strain
The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation. The maritime clash was preceded by a series of escalating actions and counter-actions throughout the week:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 6 | US forces disabled Iranian-flagged tanker M/T Hasna for violating the blockade |
| May 7 | US warplanes struck military targets at Qeshm Port and Bandar Abbas after US destroyers were targeted |
| May 8 | US Navy strikes Iranian commercial cargo vessel |
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of undermining diplomatic efforts and opting for “reckless military adventure” instead . In his first comments after the exchange of fire, Araghchi said: “Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim”
Despite the Trump administration’s insistence that the ceasefire is still holding, the Iranian military has formally accused the United States of violating the truce. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed a “crushing response” to any further US aggression
🛑 Shipping Paralysis
The military escalation has paralyzed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies. Commercial ship tracking data showed that for the second straight day, no major commercial vessels transited the strait, marking 48 hours without passage .
The waterway normally carries approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. Its effective closure has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and stranded thousands of seafarers.
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Target | Iranian-flagged commercial cargo vessel |
| Casualties | 10 injured, 5 missing |
| Location | Waters off Minab, between Strait of Hormuz and Makran Sea |
| US Justification | “Self-defense” response to Iranian attack on US warships |
| Iran’s Position | Accuses US of violating ceasefire and attacking civilian vessel |
| Ceasefire Status | Trump says holding; Iran disputes |
| Oil Traffic | No commercial passage through strait for 48 hours |
Follow Reflecto News for continuous updates on the Iran-US conflict, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and all breaking news from the Middle East.
This article is the intellectual property of Reflecto News. Redistribution without attribution is prohibited. For syndication or media inquiries, please contact the editorial team.
Updated: May 8, 2026