An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, causing a fire that was contained without crew injuries or environmental impact, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization reported Thursday.
The vessel was hit in the waterway between Oman and Iran, a critical chokepoint for global energy transit. Prior to recent hostilities, the strait handled roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attack, and the incident occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed by Iran since the start of a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign earlier this year. The disruption has contributed to elevated oil prices and raised concerns about inflationary pressures, potentially influencing central bank policy decisions. The U.S. has also intensified naval operations in the area, targeting vessels to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports.
Diplomatic initiatives are underway to restore safe passage. Iran and Oman are finalizing an arrangement to regulate commercial shipping through the strait, though Tehran has indicated the deal may not immediately reopen the route. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Iran to revive negotiations after the U.S. threatened additional sanctions. Discussions included a proposed phased framework to establish a temporary shipping corridor and clear mines from the channel.
Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir also traveled to Tehran to revive a lapsed interim ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that there is no set timeline for concluding the six-month-old conflict with Iran, which is set to reach its anniversary on Friday. Iran has characterized Washington’s actions as an "all-out economic war," further complicating efforts to de-escalate tensions.
