A Thai cargo ship was attacked by gunfire. Iran's firm stance: To pass through the Strait of Hormuz, you must obtain Iran's permission!

On March 11, the United States and Israel launched a joint airstrike on Iran, which has been retaliating for 12 days. The Spanish government issued a statement on the 11th saying that Spain has recalled its ambassador to Israel.

On March 11, local time, a spokesperson from Iran’s Hatem Anbia Central Command warned that Iran is fully capable of blockading the Strait of Hormuz. The spokesperson clearly stated, “We will never allow even a single liter of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under circumstances favorable to the U.S. and its allies.” He also said that Western attempts to lower global oil and energy prices through external intervention are doomed to fail.

On March 11, local time, a spokesperson from Iran’s Hatem Anbia Central Command announced that Iran’s previous “reciprocal retaliation” has ended, and from now on, Iran will implement a “chain attack” strategy, no longer maintaining a one-to-one retaliation pace.

The spokesperson stated that any ships belonging to the U.S., Israel, and their “partners,” or their cargo of oil, are considered legitimate targets for Iran’s armed forces.

A Thai cargo ship was attacked by gunfire

Iran states ships need permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

On March 11, local time, the Chief of the Royal Thai Navy said that the navy received reports that a Thai-flagged cargo ship was attacked from behind by gunfire while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, causing serious damage to the ship’s cargo hold.

The Thai Navy issued a statement saying that the attacked vessel was the “Maya Lina Lee” of Thai Treasure Shipping. The ship departed from Khalifa Port in the UAE early on the 11th and was attacked around 11 a.m. in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Thai media reported that the attack caused a fire at the stern.

After receiving the report, the Thai Navy immediately coordinated assistance. Currently, the Omani Navy has rescued 20 Thai crew members and taken them to Muscat for placement, with efforts underway to rescue the remaining three crew members. The Thai Navy said it is investigating the cause of the attack. The identity of the attackers has not yet been determined.

Earlier reports indicated that the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated on the 11th that a cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second such incident reported within about two hours.

The UKMTO issued a statement saying the incident occurred 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, UAE, with no casualties reported. Earlier that day, the UKMTO reported that a cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire.

On the same day, reports emerged that a Japanese container ship docked in the Persian Gulf was damaged. It is said that no crew members were injured and the ship’s navigation was unaffected.

On March 11, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement reaffirming its absolute jurisdiction over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement said that the U.S. and its partners have lost the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC stated, “The ‘Express Room’ ship is owned by Israel and flies the Liberian flag. Ignoring warnings from the IRGC Navy, it was hit by Iranian gunfire this morning and was forced to stop sailing. The ‘Mayuree Naree’ container ship, which illegally transited the strait and ignored warnings, was struck by Iranian armed forces a few hours ago. Every inch of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz is under the strict surveillance of the IRGC Navy, with no blind spots.”

The IRGC said that the U.S. and its allies have no right to pass through the strait. IRGC Navy Commander Ali Reza Tangsiri also stated on social media that any ship wishing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran’s permission.

Trump says US military will escort if necessary

US military: Can’t do it

Former U.S. President Trump previously said that if needed, the U.S. military would escort oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, multiple informed sources on the 10th revealed that since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict, ships and oil tankers waiting near the strait have almost daily requested US military escort, but all requests have been refused due to high risk.

During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on the 9th, Trump said, “If necessary, the U.S. Navy and its allies will escort oil tankers through the strait. I hope this won’t happen, but if it does, we will escort.”

On the 10th, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wray posted on social media claiming that “the U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz,” but later deleted the post. Later that day, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the U.S. Navy is not currently escorting any ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Several unnamed shipping industry insiders told Reuters on the 10th that since the conflict began, ships and oil tankers waiting to pass near the strait have almost daily requested U.S. Navy escort, but all requests have been rejected. They said the U.S. Navy told shipping and oil industry executives that it cannot escort ships for now due to the high risk of being attacked by Iran. As of the 10th, this assessment remains unchanged.

Currently, hundreds of ships are anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, with only a few daring to pass in recent days. About ten ships have been attacked, effectively blocking this critical passage.

Iran launches waves 38 and 39 of attacks

Announces heavy blows to multiple U.S. bases

On March 11, Iran’s IRGC issued the “Real Commitment 4” Operation No. 31, announcing heavy strikes against multiple U.S. bases in the Gulf.

The IRGC said that from late night March 10 to early morning March 11, the IRGC Navy launched the 38th wave of attacks codenamed “Real Commitment 4.” U.S. helicopter bases at Udairi in Kuwait were hit by two rounds of intensive missile strikes. Reports indicate many U.S. soldiers were injured, with over 100 wounded sent to hospitals.

Additionally, key facilities at Bahrain’s Mina Salman port, a core U.S. Navy hub, were damaged, with critical infrastructure struck. U.S. Patriot camps in Kuwait, the Muhammad Ahmad Naval Base, and Ali Salim Air Force Base’s barracks and equipment depots were severely damaged.

The IRGC stated that the war will only end when the clouds of conflict completely disappear from Iran’s skies.

On the same day, Iran’s IRGC announced the official launch of the 39th wave of “Real Commitment 4” military operations, targeting multiple U.S. military objectives in the Gulf and surrounding areas with precision strikes.

The IRGC said this operation aims to commemorate Iranian martyrs, especially the late Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mousavi.

It is reported that while Iran’s IRGC launched a new round of attacks on Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon also fired missiles and drones at Israel.

(Source: Daily Economic News)