Tensions Rise Again in Hormuz; Tanker Targeted by Drone
A tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz was reportedly struck by a drone on Friday (August 14) while attempting to exit the waterway. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the vessel sustained minor damage; all crew members were reported safe, and there was no environmental impact.
UKMTO has urged vessels operating in the region to heighten their vigilance. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the highest-risk areas for global shipping, following months of disrupted commercial activity caused by threats of attack and conflict between the United States and Iran.
Washington and Tehran have yet to reach an agreement regarding the status of Hormuz. Iran claims full control over the waterway and restricts commercial shipping, while the US maintains it can still assist vessels in passing through via military escorts.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that Washington could maintain a blockade of Iranian ports over the long term. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also signaled that the US is prepared to intensify economic pressure on Tehran through more aggressive sanctions.
President Donald Trump believes that economic pressure could ultimately force Iran to accede to Washington's demands, including changes to its nuclear program and the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Iranian parliament is reportedly debating a management plan for Hormuz that could ban vessels owned by the US, Israel, and other nations deemed hostile from using the waterway.
Newsmaker Analysis: The attack on the tanker highlights the persistently high security risks in Hormuz, even as shipping traffic continues to some extent. Should attacks on vessels escalate and US-Iran tensions intensify, the geopolitical risk premium on oil could rise again. Such conditions could also boost demand for safe-haven assets like gold, although the ultimate impact will depend on the response of oil prices, the dollar, and inflation expectations. (arl)
Source: Newsmaker.id
