Oil Tanker Skylight Struck Near Oman

An oil tanker, Sea Force Inc.===Skylight, flagged by Palau and carrying 15 Indian and 5 Iranian crew members, was struck near Oman's Musandam peninsula, injuring four. This incident occurred amidst rapidly intensifying hostilities following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf states hosting US forces. The United States had previously sanctioned the Sea Force Inc.===Skylight's owner, Sea Force Inc., and manager, Red Sea Ship Management LLC, for allegedly transporting Iranian petroleum products. The Musandam peninsula is strategically important as it shares control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Iran reportedly announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating fears of a broader regional conflict and significant disruptions to global energy supplies.