Tanker struck off Oman despite evolving US-Iran peace talks

An explosion near a tanker vessel off Oman’s coast has caused some bunker fuel discharge into the sea, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported.

IMAGE: Geographical location of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Getty Images

The attack comes amid mounting hopes for a US-Iran peace deal, which is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic following months of de-facto closure caused by the Middle East conflict.

The incident happened about 60 nautical miles (NM) east of Muscat yesterday, the UKMTO reported. “The master [of the tanker] reports some bunker fuel has discharged into the sea,” the maritime agency added.

Between 28 February – when the war started – and 26 May, the UKMTO received 52 reports of incidents affecting vessels operating in and around the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.

Earlier this week, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) struck missile sites in southern Iran, rekindling market concerns of a prolonged US-Iran standoff.

The airstrikes targeted Iranian sites near the Strait of Hormuz, including missile launch sites and vessels attempting to lay naval mines in the region, US CENTCOM reported.

Market participants remain focused on developments in the Middle East pending the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, analysts warn that further military action and airstrikes on commercial vessels can trigger a fresh surge in oil prices.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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