Tehran: A merchant vessel caught fire after being struck near the eastern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-to-ship radio communications on Friday evening, August 7. According to the communications, the vessel was near the Omani coast when it was struck, sparking a fire in the engine room. Also Read Iran deal may force Trump to compromise on HormuzThe waters around the Strait of Hormuz have witnessed multiple attacks on vessels in recent days, with many of the incidents occurring along shipping routes near the Omani side of the strait. The US military earlier urged ships to use routes closer to Oman’s coastline when transiting the strait. Iran, however, has attacked vessels traveling along those routes, asserting that it should have control over navigation through the waterway.