A bulk carrier sailing close to Iran’s coastline in the Strait of Hormuz was targeted by multiple small craft, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency said all crew members aboard the unidentified vessel were safe following the incident, which occurred about 11 nautical miles (20 km) west of Sirik, on Iran’s southern coast. No environmental damage was reported.
The Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy corridors—has remained a focal point in the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The latest incident underscores the fragile security situation in the region, where disruptions to shipping have already affected global flows of oil, gas and fertilisers.
Since the conflict escalated on February 28, Iran has tightened control over parts of the strait, contributing to supply disruptions and rising global prices. In response, the United States imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports from April 13, shortly after a ceasefire came into effect.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said 49 commercial vessels have been redirected to comply with the blockade. “US forces remain fully committed to total enforcement,” it stated.
In a parallel move, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington will begin guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. The operation is expected to involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft and around 15,000 personnel, although officials clarified it is not a formal escort mission.
Iran reacted sharply to the announcement. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission, warned that any US intervention in the strait would violate the ceasefire. In a post on X, he said the waterway “would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts,” signalling Tehran’s firm stance on maintaining control over regional maritime activity.
The heightened tensions have left thousands of seafarers stranded aboard vessels in the region, as uncertainty continues to disrupt shipping routes.
Despite the escalation at sea, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Trump said US officials are engaged in “very positive discussions” with Iran, while Tehran confirmed it is reviewing Washington’s response to its latest peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
