Oil tanker struck by 'unknown projectile' in Strait of Hormuz, says maritime agency

An oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an "unknown projectile" off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. The incident occurred along one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes as authorities launched an investigation, while a later media report claimed a second commercial vessel was also struck.

According to the UKMTO, the incident occurred eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman.

"A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound," UKMTO said in a post on X.

The agency said there were no reports of casualties or environmental damage.

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"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," the agency added, saying authorities were investigating.

Report claims second commercial ship was also hit

Late on Monday, Axios reported that Iran had "fired at least two missiles at commericial ships", citing two unnamed US officials.

According to the report, one of the officials said a second ship had also been struck and sustained significant damage.

The Strait of Hormuz became a focal point during the West Asia conflict after Iran blockaded the waterway and several commercial vessels came under attack, pushing global energy prices sharply higher.

The US later imposed its own naval blockade and launched retaliatory strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting commercial shipping.

Shipping resumed after ceasefire

Commercial traffic resumed after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the strategic maritime route.

However, Iran has maintained there will be no return to pre-war shipping arrangements that allowed vessels to pass freely through the strait.

Tehran has also warned ships against using routes outside a designated corridor authorised along its coastline.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as the main maritime gateway for Gulf energy exports to international markets, particularly in Asia.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, around 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the waterway each day in 2024, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global crude.