UN halts escort of ships through Hormuz after vessel comes under attack

The U.N. International Maritime Organization ​paused its operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after a vessel reported an attack, reigniting concerns about whether a preliminary deal to end the ‌Iran war will hold, Reuters reported.

The cargo ship said it was hit close to Oman by a projectile, British navy agency UKMTO said, hours after Tehran warned vessels against taking routes that it had not approved.

Two U.S. officials told Reuters that Iran had fired on the ship, while Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which Tehran established to manage requests for ships to travel through the strait, said vessels outside routes it has set will not be guaranteed safe passage.

"Consequences ​arising from passage through unauthorized routes shall be the responsibility of the owner, operator, and vessel commander," the Iranian authority said.

Four sources identified the ship as the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely. ​A security source said it was likely targeted by a drone.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. government. U.S. President Donald Trump warned ⁠earlier this month that if Iran did not honor an agreement aimed at ending the war and reopening the strait that the U.S. would probably go back to bombing the country again.