A Chinese-owned oil tanker was attacked near theStrait of Hormuzon Thursday, marking the first reported strike on a Chinese vessel since the U.S.-Iran conflict began, as the Trump administration reportedly moves to revive its naval escort operation known as “Project Freedom.”
Chinese media reported that the tanker, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, was clearly marked “CHINA OWNER & CREW” when it came under attack near the strategically vital shipping corridor.
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According to reports, the vessel’s deck caught fire during the incident. It remains unclear whether any crew members were injured.
A person familiar with the matter told Chinese outlet Caixin that this was the first known attack targeting a Chinese oil tanker since hostilities escalated between the United States andIran.
China has remained one of the largest purchasers of Iranian oil despite increasing regional instability and the ongoing U.S. naval blockade operating near theGulf of Oman.
The attack comes as the United States reportedly prepares to restart PresidentDonald Trump’s maritime security initiative known as “Project Freedom,” according to a report by theWall Street Journal.
The operation was temporarily disrupted afterSaudi ArabiaandKuwaitrestricted U.S. military use of regional air bases and airspace needed to support naval escort missions through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, both countries have now lifted those restrictions, clearing the way for the United States to resume broader operations designed to protect commercial shipping routes in the Gulf.
The Trump administration has not publicly announced a timetable for restarting the operation.
Source: SGT Report
