The UKMTO reported that two vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, about 7 kilometres west of Khasab, Oman. A nearby captain said he saw "four unknown projectiles" strike the ships; one vessel caught fire while the other's condition remains uncertain. Authorities are investigating and no responsibility has been claimed amid ongoing Iran–US tensions that have disrupted Gulf shipping.
Two Ships Struck by Unknown Projectiles Near Khasab, Oman — UKMTO Investigates
FILE PHOTO - A satellite picture provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), shows the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf), the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. (is associated with: «Two vessels attacked off Oman, UK maritime agency says») -/The Visible Earth/NASA/dpa
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Thursday that two vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz about 7 kilometres west of Khasab, Oman.
Incident Details
A captain on a nearby ship told authorities he saw "four unknown projectiles" strike the two vessels. One of the ships caught fire; the condition of the second vessel remains unclear. Local and international authorities have opened an investigation, and no group had claimed responsibility at the time of the report.
"Four unknown projectiles" — reported by a nearby ship's captain
Regional Context
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway for global energy supplies, handling exports of oil, natural gas and fertiliser from Gulf states. Shipping through the strait has been disrupted in recent months amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with a series of threats and attacks reported.
Despite the risks, US naval forces and allied escorts have periodically accompanied commercial vessels along the Omani coast to help ensure safer transit through the strait, according to US media reports.
What Comes Next
Investigators will seek to determine the origin of the projectiles, the extent of damage and any potential casualties. Shipping companies, insurers and regional authorities will be monitoring the situation closely for possible implications to maritime traffic and energy markets.
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