OIL TANKER STRUCK BY PROJECTILE OFF OMAN COAST

An oil tanker was struck by an "unknown projectile" off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency. The incident occurred eight nautical miles east of Limah and caused a fire on the vessel's port side whilst it travelled southbound. UKMTO reported no casualties or environmental damage. The agency instructed vessels to transit with caution and report suspicious activity whilst authorities investigated the incident.

The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes. Tensions in the waterway intensified during the Middle East war, when Iran blockaded the passage and commercial vessels faced attacks, elevating global energy prices substantially. The United States responded with a naval blockade and later conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran following accusations of targeting commercial shipping. Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last month intended to end the conflict and reopen the strategic route.

Axios reported that Iran fired at least two missiles at commercial ships, citing unnamed US officials who stated a second vessel was also struck and significantly damaged. Iranian state television claimed the tanker ignored warnings prior to the attack, implying Tehran's involvement, though no direct responsibility was formally declared. The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the reports. Iran previously warned ships against using routes outside a corridor it authorised along its coastline, stating it would not return to pre-war arrangements permitting free passage through the strait.