Strait of Hormuz sees another maritime attack

Oil prices moved higher after another commercial tanker came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz through Omani corridor.

IMAGE: Vector map of the Strait of Hormuz. Getty Images

The vessel was hit by an ‘unknown projectile’ 8 nautical miles (NM) east of Limah, Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported.

The tanker, Al Rekayyat, is owned by Qatar’s state-owned shipping company Nakilat. It was laden with LNG when it came under attack, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources.

The vessel was hit by an unknown projectile “on the port side causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound,” the UKMTO reported.

Earlier on Monday, Iran's navy fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported, citing an Axios report. The vessels sustained significant damage, the report added.

US President Donald Trump said Washington is prepared to either secure a lasting peace deal with Tehran or “finish the job,” Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, Iran has issued stark warnings to vessels via maritime radio that “our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you,” the Wall Street Journal report added.

Trump’s statement has intensified threats of further military intervention, coming at a time when Tehran is projecting defiance in the wake of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral.

These reports highlight the escalating dangers facing vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz – the vital chokepoint between Iran and Oman that facilitates the transport of roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Despite an interim peace agreement intended to ensure safe passage, commercial ships have faced repeated attacks throughout the ongoing conflict, which erupted following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

By Aparupa Mazumder

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online