Projectile hits cargo ship in Hormuz as Iran issues renewed warning

An unidentified projectile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, forcing the UN International Maritime Organization to pause its evacuation program for stranded vessels transiting the vital energy chokepoint. The cargo vessel sustained damage to its bridge and hull during the incident, occurring hours after several freighters had turned back while attempting to cross the waterway. The attack threatens a preliminary deal aimed at reopening the strategic passage and raises fresh concerns about regional stability.