Iran

[ORAC]

Maritime update:

https://x.com/mercoglianos/status/20...879038168?s=20

Hormuz Update 2 March AM

Multiple reports that the US flagged tanker Stena Imperative has been hit by two projectiles while in port in Bahrain.

​​​​​​​According to the UKMTO, the fire has been extinguished but the ship was evacuated and no casaulties reported. She is a member of the DOTMARAD Tanker Security Program and has been chartered by the MSCSealift to provide fuel for the DeptofWar.

This attack highlights the vulnerability of US merchant ships and ports, a subject that has been brought to the attention of the DeptofWar many times by @johnkonrad and myself.

Traffic is still holding on both sides of the Strait.

There was a report of an incident on the Western side of the Strait but with no reported damage or injuries.

​​​​​​​There are four other US-flagged commercial ships in the Persian Gulf and the question should be raised to US5thFleet and CENTCOM what they are doing to protect these ships.

The escalation in strikes and the friendly fire incidents resulting in the shoot down of multiple US aircraft will probably cause ships to remain in the anchorages and await further developments.