Explosion sounds were heard near Hulk Island! Iranian oil tanker reported to have been attacked by U.S. missile.

Tensions in key energy passageways in the Middle East have escalated sharply. According to a report by Xinhua News Agency citing Iran's Fars News Agency on the 5th, multiple explosions were heard in waters near Khark Island, which is a critical point for Iranian oil. The report stated that no smoke or fire had yet been observed in the surrounding waters. Additionally, Iran's Light News Agency reported, citing local sources, that an Iranian oil tanker was hit by a missile fired by U.S. military forces near Khark Island. Prior to this attack, there had been a series of intense military clashes between the U.S. and Iran in the waters. With the escalation of retaliatory strikes from both sides, the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global crude oil transportation, is facing its most severe security challenges since the conflict erupted in February this year. Intense maneuvering at the energy chokepoint The attack occurred in the early hours of the 5th, in the waters near Khark Island, close to the Strait of Hormuz. Preliminary reports indicated several explosions, but no significant smoke or fire had been observed in the nearby waters. Evacuation operations for those aboard the attacked tanker are currently underway, and no casualties have been reported yet. The full extent of the damage remains unclear as official information has yet to be released. The Strait of Hormuz, as a strategically significant energy transport chokepoint, has been at the center of negotiations and maneuvering between Washington and Tehran since the outbreak of hostilities in late February. Just one day prior to the tanker attack, Tehran reportedly fired anti-ship missiles at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian media did not disclose specific target information or details regarding the damage caused by this action. Such frequent actions targeting maritime traffic have continuously elevated the shipping risk premium in the region. Escalation of U.S.-Iranian conflict In the past week, direct military confrontations between the U.S. and Iran have entered a spiral of escalation. Last Sunday, the U.S. military struck Iranian rocket launchers located within the Strait. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated at the time that it had carried out limited and precise actions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) mine-laying units, accusing them of posing an imminent threat to the shipping lanes. Subsequently, the IRGC confirmed that Larak Island had been hit and vowed to retaliate, launching attacks against U.S. bases in the Middle East. In response, CENTCOM forces carried out a new round of strikes on Tuesday, directly targeting IRGC air defense positions, mine-laying facilities, radar systems, naval assets, and communication sites. The U.S. stated that these actions were in response to recent attempts by the IRGC to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.