An oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an “unknown projectile” while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, British maritime authorities said on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns over security in one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the tanker was travelling southbound near Limah, Oman, when it was hit on its port side, triggering a fire.
The agency said there were no casualties or reports of environmental damage. An investigation into the incident is underway, and vessels operating in the area have been advised to exercise heightened caution.
US officials reportedly blame Iran
According to Axios, citing two US officials, Iran’s military fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night.
One official said the tanker identified by UKMTO was among the vessels struck, while another commercial ship was also reportedly hit. Both vessels sustained significant damage, though no casualties were reported.
The report said the alleged attacks occurred after a one-week understanding between the United States and Iran to suspend attacks in the Strait of Hormuz had expired.
Axios also reported that the Trump administration is considering possible retaliatory military action against Iranian targets.
The reported incident comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Indirect talks held in Doha last week reportedly ended without a breakthrough on maritime security or the future of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Strategic importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the waterway carried approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2024—roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption.
The shipping lane has remained at the centre of regional tensions, with previous attacks on commercial vessels disrupting maritime traffic and contributing to volatility in global energy markets.
Although shipping resumed following recent efforts to ease tensions, Iran has maintained that vessels must operate within authorised transit corridors along its coastline, warning against the use of alternative routes.
The British military said the damaged tanker was attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman when it was struck.
The latest incident is expected to heighten concerns over the security of global energy supplies and the risk of further escalation in the Gulf.
