Tanker Struck by Projectile Catches Fire in Strait of Hormuz Near Oman

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday after it was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred near Limah, Oman, as the vessel was sailing south toward the Gulf of Oman. UKMTO said the projectile struck the port side of the tanker, sparking a fire. No casualties or environmental pollution have been reported, and an investigation is underway.

Iranian state television reported that the tanker was attacked after allegedly ignoring navigation warnings issued by Iranian authorities, although Tehran did not officially claim responsibility for the strike.

Meanwhile, two unnamed U.S. officials told Axios that Iran's military fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The officials said a second ship was also damaged, but no injuries were reported.

Tehran-based analyst Hossein Royvaran suggested the vessel may have entered an area where Iranian teams were conducting mine-clearing operations, raising the possibility that the ship's movements were viewed as a threat.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategic maritime routes for global oil and natural gas shipments.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran on a long-term agreement to end the conflict remain on hold as Iran continues funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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