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3. Iran Accuses U.S. and Israel of Striking Maritime Ambulance in Strait of Hormuz

Iran accused the United States and Israel on Wednesday of striking a maritime ambulance vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an allegation that, if confirmed, could further escalate tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, the vessel was hit by missiles while docked at Hormuz Island, near the entrance of the Gulf.

“Following the U.S.-Zionist attacks this afternoon, a maritime ambulance stationed at the dock of Hormuz Island was hit by missiles,” the agency reported, publishing footage that appeared to show the boat engulfed in flames.

Iranian media said the boat was used to transport emergency patients from Hormuz Island to Bandar Abbas, the main port city in the southern Hormozgan province.

Other Iranian outlets carried similar reports, though no independent confirmation of the strike has yet emerged, and U.S. or Israeli authorities have not immediately commented on the allegation.

Rising Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

The accusation comes as the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman, has become one of the most volatile flashpoints of the expanding Middle East conflict.

The waterway is considered the most critical oil transit route in the world, carrying roughly 20 percent of global crude exports and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Iran's military on Wednesday said any ships belonging to the United States, Israel or their allies passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz will be targeted.

"Any vessel whose oil cargo or the vessel itself belongs to the United States, the Zionist regime or their hostile allies will be considered legitimate targets," said the military's central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, in a statement carried by state TV.

It reiterated that Iran's armed forces "will not allow a single litre of oil to transit" through the strait, adding that the "closure of this strait is the result of conditions imposed by the US and the Zionist regime," referring to Israel.

Global Response to Energy Market Turmoil

As tensions in the Gulf threaten energy supplies, several major economies are preparing emergency measures to stabilize markets.

France’s Finance Minister Roland Lescure said Wednesday that some countries are preparing to release portions of their strategic oil reserves as part of what he described as a coordinated effort to cushion the global economy from rising energy prices.

The move follows announcements from Japan that it will tap into its oil reserves to counter the surge in energy costs linked to the Middle East war.

A German government source also told AFP that Germany is considering similar steps, signaling a broader international response aimed at preventing further volatility in global oil markets.