TEHRAN, Iran — An Iranian missile fired throughout a coaching train within the Gulf of Oman struck a assist vessel close to its goal, killing no less than one sailor and wounding others amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the US.
The pleasant hearth incident occurred Sunday close to the port of Jask, some 1,270 kilometers (790 miles) southeast of Tehran on the Gulf of Oman, state TV reported Monday.
The missile struck the Konarak, a Hendijan-class assist ship, collaborating within the train.
State tv described the missile strike as an accident, saying the Konarak had remained too near the goal. The Konarak had been placing targets out within the water for different ships to fireplace upon, it stated.
Iranian media stated the Konarak had been overhauled in 2018 and was in a position to launch sea missiles. The Dutch-made, 47-meter (155-foot) vessel was in service since 1988 and had a capability of 40 tons. It often carries a crew of 20 sailors.
Iran commonly holds workouts within the area, which is closed to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the slender mouth of the Persian Gulf by means of which 20 p.c of the world’s oil passes. The U.S. Navy’s fifth Fleet, which screens the area, didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Iranian media hardly ever report on mishaps throughout its workouts, signaling the severity of the incident. This incident additionally comes amid months of heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran’s nuclear take care of world powers in 2018 and imposed crushing sanctions on the nation.