A bulk tanker sailing under the American flag was struck by projectiles near Bahrain's port, marking the first time a U.S. merchant vessel has been targeted amid the ongoing conflict. The crew of the Stena Imperative evacuated safely, with no reported injuries. However, one shipyard worker was killed in the attack, according to Reuters.

This incident signifies an escalation of the conflict, which intensified after Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28. FreightWaves has reached out to Stena for comment.

British security monitors reported that several cargo vessels were attacked by Iran on Sunday, and the country also launched missiles at ports in the region.

In a separate incident late Sunday, three American F-15 fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces. All six crew members ejected and were safely recovered, according to U.S. Central Command.

Iran has reportedly blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz, with approximately 150 tankers anchored in the Persian Gulf and dozens more awaiting passage outside the vital waterway.