A tanker caught fire off the coast of Oman on Monday night after being struck by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).Separately citing two unnamed US officials, news outlet Axios reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting through the strait on Monday night. The report added that two ships suffered significant damage but there were no casualties. It is unclear if one of the ships is the same one reported on by UKMTO.The reports of attacks on shipping in the strait come as sensitive peace negotiations continue between the United States and Iran to bring a lasting end to their war, which began on February 28.One of the key sticking points in the talks is the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively closed to shipping after US-Israeli strikes began.The attacks also come amid days of funeral processions for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, the first day of the war.Here is a closer look at what has happened in the Strait of Hormuz, and whether this could threaten the peace process.What has happened in the Strait of Hormuz?The UKMTO reported early on Tuesday that a tanker had been struck by a “projectile” on its port side while moving southbound about 8 nautical miles (15km) off the coast of Limah in Oman, causing a fire.Ira …
