Vessel struck in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says, as prospects for U.S.-Iran diplomacy appear elusive

BANDAR ABBAS, IRAN - SEPTEMBER 12: Daily life continues in the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, as Iranians spend time along the city's waterfront at sunset in Bandar Abbas, Iran on September 12, 2026. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty ImagesA vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said Sunday, as direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran appeared no nearer to resuming.The British maritime security alert service said in a post on X that it received a report of the attack late on Saturday by an unknown projectile while the vessel was transiting the Strait. A fire broke out onboard, and local authorities were on the scene helping to evacuate crew members, UKMTO said.Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official dismissed hopes of fresh talks."No negotiations. Until Iran's terms are met, talks are futile," Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, said in a post on X.But Iran has been reaching out to neighboring countries, despite months of striking them in retaliation for U...