DUBAI – Commercial shipping in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz came under renewed security concerns after reports emerged that Iranian forces fired missiles at commercial vessels transiting the waterway, damaging at least two ships without causing casualties.
The media reports citing US officials said that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched at least two missiles at commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday night. The officials said two vessels sustained significant damage, although no injuries among crew members were reported.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that a tanker caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile early Tuesday while sailing approximately eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman. The vessel was reportedly hit on its port side while travelling southbound, triggering a fire on board.
The UKMTO said the blaze was brought under control and no casualties or environmental pollution had been reported. Authorities are continuing to monitor the incident and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
It remains unclear whether the tanker mentioned in the UKMTO advisory was among the vessels reportedly targeted in the missile attack. No official confirmation has been issued linking the two incidents.
The reported attacks have heightened concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors through which nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption is transported. Any disruption in the narrow waterway has the potential to affect international energy supplies and global shipping.
The incidents come amid heightened regional tensions following recent military exchanges involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Although a temporary ceasefire has provided space for diplomatic engagement, negotiations aimed at easing tensions have yet to produce a lasting breakthrough.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington remained committed to reaching an agreement with Iran but warned that military options remained available if diplomacy failed.
Maritime authorities and international shipping companies continue to closely monitor developments in the Gulf region as concerns over the safety of commercial navigation persist.
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