IRGC Reports 25 Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Under Iranian Coordination

Regional Asian outlets stress the risk to energy imports and trade from the slowdown in Hormuz traffic and reports of Iranian attacks on ships. They highlight claims that Iranian forces fired at four ships and that an Iranian missile likely hit a vessel, prompting South Korea to summon Iran’s envoy. They also note that oil prices have fallen on hopes of a deal, even as the White House disputes reports of any agreement.

• •Asian reports say Iranian forces fired at four ships that tried to cross Hormuz without Tehran’s coordination.
• •South Korean authorities state that a ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz likely involved an Iranian missile.
• •Seoul’s foreign ministry has summoned Iran’s ambassador to protest the suspected missile strike on a commercial vessel.
• •Regional business coverage notes that oil prices slid after Iranian officials suggested the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within a month if terms are agreed.
• •Indian and Southeast Asian outlets report that traffic through Hormuz has slowed to a crawl after many supertankers left the area due to security fears.