Iran Claims Strike on Togo-Flagged Tanker in Hormuz as Italy Plans Red Sea Escorts

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for a strike on the Togo-flagged product tanker Trend in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that the vessel attempted to transit outside Tehran’s approved passage system.

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the 7,119 dwt tanker was hit and stopped after a fire broke out onboard. The claims have not been independently verified.

Context: Strait of Hormuz Intelligence File · Strait of Hormuz shipping guide · Strait of Hormuz · Red Sea

UK Maritime Trade Operations separately reported a security incident about 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. It has not confirmed whether that report was connected to the Trend.

Operational context

The reported incident comes amid continued pressure on merchant shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The International Maritime Organization has verified 80 attacks on merchant vessels in the area since February 28, according to the source material.

The growing security concerns were raised at the United Nations Security Council by International Chamber of Shipping secretary-general Thomas Kazakos. He said commercial ships should not be required to seek permission, negotiate transit or accept arbitrary restrictions in strategic waterways because of escalating geopolitical tensions.

Separately, Italy is preparing to act independently to support nationally linked merchant ships seeking passage through the Bab el-Mandeb area. The move follows recent advances by the Houthis in southern Yemen.

Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto said Rome would not wait for the EU’s Aspides mission to determine when ships could transit. Military planners have been instructed to develop a framework to protect Italian merchant vessels.

At least 10 Italian-flagged or Italian-owned ships are reported to be waiting in the region for protected passage. Italy’s plans point to increased national action by European states as security risks continue to affect commercial navigation in the Red Sea approaches and the wider Middle East maritime corridor.