
Iran's first confirmed unmanned surface vessel strike raises Gulf shipping fears
Iran used an uncrewed surface vessel to strike the tanker MKD VYOM off Oman, marking the region’s first confirmed USV attack on a commercial ship; UKMTO confirmed the incident and crew evacuation, with one crew member dead. The strike fits a broader pattern of Iran and allied groups developing USVs and kamikaze capabilities, contributing to intensified threats to shipping amid the Epic Fury campaign and ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, including subsequent attacks on other vessels like the Stena Imperative and disputed closure claims.


