Iran launched a strike on Didamar, an Omani island base, alleging it assisted US military escorts for oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the critical waterway.
On Tuesday, Iran's military attacked Didamar, a small Omani island outpost at the entry of the Persian Gulf, equipped with navigational equipment. Tehran claimed the base personnel were aiding 'oil smuggling by the enemy,' a reference to US military escorts protecting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Omani officials confirmed a loud explosion at the base, which has been crucial for navigation since the early 1900s. Viral social media videos showed black smoke billowing from the island post-strike. This attack is part of Iran's sustained efforts to regain control over oil flow from the Persian Gulf, which has remained below pre-war levels due to US escorts enabling tankers to sail safely. The Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly perilous, with October marking the worst month for shipping incidents (28), surpassing the 19 recorded at the war's onset. Since the conflict began, there have been at least 130 confirmed incidents and 25 seafarer deaths. Tuesday's strike followed US attacks on Iran's Qeshm Island, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps missile and drone launchers. Despite ongoing exchanges of attacks, peace talks between the US and Iran remain stalled, as Tehran insists on a seven-point deal previously rejected by President Trump, who recently declared the war 'effectively over' despite no peace agreement.
