Ship disabled by attack in Strait of Hormuz and other news from around the Middle East

An oil tanker was hit with a projectile off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report Tuesday that highlighted the ongoing dangers for shipping companies attempting to use the waterway while Iran holds it in firm control.

An oil tanker was disabled after being struck by an unknown projectile off Oman, underscoring shipping risks as Iran maintains tight control over the Strait of Hormuz

An oil tanker was disabled after being struck by an unknown projectile off Oman, underscoring shipping risks as Iran maintains tight control over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran warns of a harsh response as US announces new sanctions and other Middle East news  AP News

Tehran said vessels violated protocols for travelling across waterway and could face fines or confiscation

The warning heightens risks for the charterers and shipowners whose vessels transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the world's energy shipments.

Continued economic pressure could prompt Iran to target Gulf oil exports and US economic interests, Tehran has said.

Fewer than 20 ships transit key Strait of Hormuz over weekend, data shows  Reuters

Less than 20 ships transit Strait of Hormuz over weekend Fewer than 20 vessels have travelled through the Strait of Hormuz during the weekend, data from Kpler showed.  Four vessels crossed the strait on Sunday, with 13 others transiting on Saturday.  The full count remains unclear, as some ships had switched off

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has visited Saudi Arabia and Oman for six days to talk with his counterparts from the two nations.

Iran's president on Sunday defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the best way out of a stalled war while the new head of the Islamic Republic's top security body took a more defiant stance.

Iranian state media reported Friday that President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the war with the US should end since the world has accepted that Iran has won.

Iran says the world has accepted it has defeated the US, and other Middle East developments  Toronto Star

MANILA, Aug 18 (Reuters) - The Philippines does not expect a reduction in military activities with its treaty ally the United States amid redeployment of some U.S. defence assets to the Middle East, an official said on Monday. The movement of assets including the USS George Washington aircraft carrier from the Pacific