President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Iran launched at least four one-way attack drones at vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One drone successfully struck the upper deck of a large cargo ship, resulting in damage, though the vessel remained operational and was able to continue its voyage. The other three drones were intercepted and destroyed. Trump characterized the incident as a “foolish violation” of the existing ceasefire agreement.
Data from the tracking platform Kpler showed that traffic levels in the Strait of Hormuz receded from Wednesday’s peak, although vessels continued to utilize a passage not approved by Iran despite the projectile strike. On Thursday, at least 42 commodity vessels, including those carrying oil, gas, and fertilizers, passed through the strait, a decrease from 57 on Wednesday. By Friday afternoon, an additional 29 vessels had completed the transit.
The incident has significantly impacted maritime operations, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirming that it suspended its voluntary program to evacuate approximately 600 ships and 11,000 crew members from the area following the attack. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez reported that 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers had successfully evacuated over the previous three and a half days. Dominguez emphasized that shipping should not be utilized as geopolitical leverage and reiterated the urgent need for safe navigation.
Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine confirmed that its container ship, the Ever Lovely, which is registered in Singapore, was struck by an “unidentified object” during the transit. The vessel sustained minor damage to its bridge and windows, but the crew and cargo were unharmed. While the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the incident as a projectile strike, the United Nations has launched an urgent investigation.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic situation remains complex. Iran has warned Gulf nations against aligning with Washington and reasserted its authority over the strait, labeling recent statements from the US and six Gulf countries regarding toll levies as “interventionist.” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that safe passage cannot be guaranteed without recognition of Iran’s role as a coastal state and adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which includes Tehran’s commitment to clearing mines within 30 days.
Despite the heightened tensions, some tanker movements have continued. On Friday, at least four tankers, including three very large crude carriers, entered the Gulf to take on cargo. Saudi Aramco has also resumed crude loading at its Ras Tanura terminal following a four-month pause, according to shipping data. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently on a regional tour, rejected Iran’s demands regarding fees in the strait, cautioning that it would lead to “total chaos.”
