Oil Tanker Hit by Projectile in Strait of Hormuz Off Oman's Coast

An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman Coast early Tuesday, leaving the vessel damaged and unable to continue sailing, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

AFP reported citing the master that the ship’s master confirmed that the projectile hit the tanker and damaged its engine room, disabling the vessel. All crew members were reported safe, with no casualties reported in the incident.

UKMTO said the incident took place around nine nautical miles, or 16.7 km, northeast of Ash Shishah on Oman’s coast. The agency did not provide details about the tanker’s flag, nationality or its intended destination.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions and disruption to shipping in the strategic waterway. Iran has maintained an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February.

Tehran has also sought to impose tolls on vessels using the strait and has attacked ships it accuses of trying to bypass the route it has designated for maritime traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor through which a significant volume of oil and other commodities passes. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has the potential to affect international energy markets and maritime trade.

The latest tanker incident comes as the conflict in the West Asia approaches its sixth month. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday outlined plans aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran, describing the strategy as an effort toward the country’s “economic asphyxiation.”

The circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s attack, including the identity of the projectile and who may have launched it, remain unclear.