A COMMERCIAL oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, causing a fire onboard and raising fresh concerns over maritime security along one of the world’s most strategically important energy routes.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident occurred about eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman, as the vessel was travelling southbound.
"A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound," UKMTO said in a post on X.
The British maritime security agency said there were no reported casualties or environmental damage following the incident, while authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the strike.
"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," the agency said.
The incident highlights continued uncertainty around one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and efforts to negotiate a lasting agreement following months of regional tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz became a focal point during the Middle East conflict, with Iran imposing restrictions on the waterway and several commercial vessels coming under attack, causing global energy prices to surge.
The United States later responded with naval measures and launched retaliatory strikes against Iran after accusing Tehran of targeting commercial shipping.
Commercial traffic resumed after Washington and Tehran reached a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending hostilities and restoring movement through the strategic route.
However, Iran has insisted that shipping conditions will not return to the pre-conflict arrangement, when vessels were able to pass freely through the strait.
Tehran has also warned vessels against using routes outside a corridor it has authorised along its coastline.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as the main maritime gateway for oil exports from Gulf producers to global markets, particularly in Asia, making any disruption a potential threat to international energy supplies.
Data from the US Energy Information Administration shows that around 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the waterway daily in 2024, representing roughly one-fifth of global crude oil flows. - July 7, 2026
