Two tankers have reported coming under attack in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a British maritime agency on Saturday. The incidents occur amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran that continue to define the volatile region.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that one vessel sustained damage to its engine room after being struck by an unknown projectile while positioned northeast of the coast of Lima, Oman. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported in the incident thus far.
Approximately three hours following the first report, the UKMTO received notice of a second incident occurring northeast of Khasab, Oman. In this instance, the master of a tanker reported observing a large splash and an explosion in close proximity to the ship. No damage to the second vessel was reported at the time. Authorities have launched an investigation into both reports, and the agency has advised all vessels in the area to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global chokepoint, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and facilitating roughly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade. Although Tehran effectively closed the waterway following US and Israeli strikes in late February, the region has remained a focal point of the US-Iranian conflict, even after a memorandum of understanding was agreed upon in June.
On Friday, the US military refuted claims that Iran had successfully closed the waterway, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) asserting that it remains open for commercial transit. CENTCOM stated that Iran does not control the passage, noting that thousands of ships have navigated the international waterway over the last four months.
US forces resumed strikes on Iran earlier this week following a brief pause, targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard command centers, missile and drone facilities, and maritime and coastal defense sites. These actions follow 13 consecutive days of strikes in July intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping. In retaliation, Tehran has launched strikes on American military bases across the Middle East, including facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
