A US-contracted vessel was struck in an Iranian attack earlier this week around the Strait of Hormuz, according to two sources cited by Fox News on Wednesday.
The attack involved four Iranian drones and at least one missile, Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst said in a post on X, citing the sources.
One of the projectiles struck the vessel, causing minor injuries, including cases of smoke inhalation, according to the report. The injured personnel are currently receiving treatment in a Gulf country.
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The sources also said that some US personnel were onboard the vessel at the time of the attack.
The latest incident comes days after Iranian state-run media reported that a US vessel attempting to enter an area Tehran considers restricted in the Strait of Hormuz had been struck.
However, Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the US Central Command, dismissed the Iranian report as "a total lie."
A day earlier, the US had said it struck Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for what Washington said was an Iranian attack involving ballistic missiles against US Navy warships.
The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran. Despite several rounds of negotiations and a ceasefire announced in June, fighting has continued intermittently after the truce collapsed.
The conflict has also disrupted energy markets and shipping through the Gulf. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the war has "taken some energy resources out of the marketplace", resulting in what he described as a short-term sacrifice for US consumers.
"But this is to end Iran's ability to forever drive up energy prices," Wright said in an interview with Fox News.
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Asked when energy prices could ease, Wright said he could not predict Iranian behaviour. He nevertheless said oil flows out of the Gulf had increased significantly.
"About 18 million barrels flowed out yesterday, basically pre-conflict levels," Wright said, adding that increased flows through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait would also be helpful.
Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, making renewed attacks involving vessels in the area a key concern for oil markets and international shipping.
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