War Compass

USA - Iran · CURRENT

Iran says tanker Trend was struck – link to monitored attack remains unconfirmed

The Revolutionary Guard said on 18 September that it had hit and stopped the Togo-flagged tanker Trend after an allegedly “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime reporting confirmed only that an unnamed tanker was hit.

War Compass editorial teamPublished:

the Strait of Hormuz at night symbolizing the partial recovery in oil shipments
the Strait of Hormuz at night symbolizing the partial recovery in oil shipments

Both parties to the conflict are presented separately, followed by a factual neutral assessment.

U.S. account

There was no immediate US confirmation that the incident involved Trend. CENTCOM separately said it was maintaining its blockade of Iranian shipping; the Maritime Executive reported that it counted 105 commercial vessels redirected by 18 September.

Iranian account

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims Trend attempted an “illegal passage” at US encouragement. Iranian units allegedly hit the ship, started a fire and forced it to stop, warning that unauthorized transits would be challenged.

Neutral editorial assessment

UKMTO independently received a report that a tanker had been hit by a projectile; the fire was extinguished and the crew was safe. UKMTO did not name the vessel, so its identity, precise location and responsibility remain unconfirmed.

Direct sources

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