Iranian merchant ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz, local authorities said 1 dead and 4 injured

(Central News Agency, Tehran, comprehensive foreign news report on the 13th) At a time when relations between the United States and Iran are tense over the Strait of Hormuz, local authorities in Iran pointed out that an Iranian merchant ship was attacked in this strategic waterway early this morning, killing one person and injuring four others.

Iranian state-run TV reported that Amir Teymouri, the chief of Qeshm Island, said that a merchant ship was hit off the coast of Hengam and Qeshm islands at about 5 o'clock this morning, killing one person and injuring four others.

The Iranian News Agency (IRNA) reported that Taimouri blamed the attack on "terrorist enemies" and said that the deceased was one of the 10 crew members of the merchant ship. The authorities have not confirmed the missile that hit the ship.

Several explosions were reported in the Qeshm Island area at night. The island is the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters reported that the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO), part of the British Navy, said earlier that it had received a report that a ship was hit by a missile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military has not released a statement, according to the Associated Press. The US military has previously attacked Iranian-flagged ships and currently continues to block Iranian ports.

The fatal incident comes as Iran and Persian Gulf states are expected to hold a meeting in Oman tomorrow to discuss shipping management in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.