Cargo ship was hit in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iraq

A cargo ship flying the flag of Panama was damaged by a shell hit near the Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr in the Persian Gulf. This was announced on June 1 on the website of the Office of Maritime Trade of the United Kingdom (UKMTO).

"The UKMTO has received a report of an incident 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr. The cargo ship was traveling through the Persian Gulf when a powerful explosion occurred after an unknown projectile hit the starboard side," the report says.

Information about the victims or the consequences for the environment is not provided.

Headwinds: The United States and Iran are preparing to unblock Hormuz

What is the greatest threat in the strait and how long does it take to open it?

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 24 that the United States is ready for "very serious negotiations" on Iran's nuclear program, provided that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. On Sunday, a U.S. representative announced a preliminary agreement according to which the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened, provided that Iran agrees to dispose of its reserves of highly enriched uranium.

Tasnim news agency reported on May 24 that Iran does not intend to agree to the inspection of its vessels by the United States after the lifting of the naval blockade. According to him, the draft of a possible memorandum between Iran and the United States does not contain provisions on the inspection or control of Iranian vessels by the American side after the lifting of restrictions.