Chinese Tanker Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - A Chinese company's oil tanker was reportedly the victim of an attack at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, according to Chinese media reports, Caixin.

According to a Caixin report reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, the Chinese tanker was attacked off the coast of Al Jeer Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday (4/5), causing a fire in the ship's bow.

The writing "China Owner & Crew" is clearly displayed on the tanker that was attacked.

The incident was also the first time a Chinese vessel had been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, the report said.

Previously, the US and Israel had launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28, resulting in damage to infrastructure and casualties among the civilian population.

Then on April 7, Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire.

However, negotiations in Islamabad that took place afterwards have not managed to reach any agreement.

US President Donald Trump then extended the ceasefire to give Iran more time to prepare a "joint proposal".

The escalation caused shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to almost completely stop. The strait is a key route for oil and LNG supply traffic from Persian Gulf countries to global markets. As a result of the disruption, oil prices have risen in many places.