Iran Launches Drone Attack on Bahrain; Tanker Hit in Hormuz Strait 

An unidentified projectile hit a tanker traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its bridge, Britain’s maritime security agency (UKMTO) said. All the crew are reported safe.

The master of the tanker reported the incident to UKMTO, which issued Warning 076-26 at 0800 UTC on 27 June. UKMTO’s warning indicates that there have been no reports of environmental damage at present.

Britain’s UKMTO advised ships to exercise caution when proceeding through the strait and to report any suspicious activity. It said authorities are investigating.

Officials have not publicly identified the perpetrators of the strike, and the projectile that hit the tanker remains unknown.

The strike follows recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets after another attack on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship. The authorities have not linked those earlier incidents to the latest tanker strike.

Earlier, Iran’s foreign ministry said it had launched “defensive” attacks on U.S.-linked military targets, while Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s regional headquarters, reported an Iranian drone attack, Reuters said. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to the reports.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they had targeted U.S. military positions, according to CNN, which cited Iranian state media Press TV. Iran’s foreign ministry accused the United States of breaking their agreement. The U.S. military has not confirmed any strikes. The exchanges are the first since the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding last week.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and strong denunciation of what it called the reprehensible Iranian aggression against the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain using a number of drones. It described the attack as a flagrant violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty, a direct threat to its security, stability and citizens, and a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The continuation of these aggressions, amid regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and reducing tensions, represents a dangerous undermining of endeavors for peace and stability, and a threat to the security and stability of the region. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Kuwait

The Ministry renewed the State of Kuwait’s firm and supportive stance toward the security and stability of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, and its full solidarity with it in all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its territories.

This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update you as we learn more.