Projectile Hits Oil Tanker Near Oman in Strait of Hormuz

An oil tanker off the coast of Oman was disabled Monday night after being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the persistent threats to international shipping routes as Iran maintains control over the waterway.

According to a report released Tuesday by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization, the projectile strike disabled the vessel's engine. The UKMTO stated that all crew members were reported safe and no immediate environmental damage was observed.

The maritime incident occurred as a Pakistani diplomatic delegation wrapped up high-level peace talks in Tehran aimed at negotiating an end to the nearly six-month-old war between the United States and Iran.

Following consultations with Iranian officials on re-opening the waterway and reviving peace talks, Pakistan's military confirmed that the delegation led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir departed Tehran on Tuesday.

Addressing the diplomatic effort, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as highly constructive.

"Very positive and productive," said Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, referring to the high-level meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Concurrent with Pakistani diplomatic efforts, Iranian and Omani officials are finalizing a joint proposal to regulate maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman's foreign minister scheduled to meet Iranian authorities on Tuesday.

Economic pressure surrounding the conflict intensified as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to expand sanctions against nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, including several based in China.

China's Foreign Ministry responded to the proposed U.S. economic measures by urging protection for legitimate bilateral trade relations with Tehran.

"Should not be disrupted or undermined," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, emphasizing that China-Iran cooperation conforms with international law.

Elsewhere in the region, an Israeli airstrike northwest of Khan Younis killed at least one Palestinian and wounded four others on Tuesday, according to officials at Nasser Hospital.

Tuesday also marked the one-year anniversary of an Israeli double strike on the same hospital that killed 22 Palestinians, including Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri and AP visual journalist Mariam Dagga, with no personnel held accountable to date.

In the occupied West Bank, video footage emerged showing far-right Israeli lawmaker Tzvi Succot using a hammer to demolish a Palestinian monument in the village of Madama under Israeli military escort, an act the military stated went beyond authorized security parameters.