Three Tankers Hit by Unknown Projectiles in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO Says

Three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British maritime-security organization.

Three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, according to UK maritime authorities. [Photo: Qatar News Agency]

UKMTO said that a crude-oil tanker and two other vessels had each “been struck by an unknown projectile.” Initial information described one of the vessels as an LNG tanker, although UKMTO later referred to it simply as a tanker.

The agency did not identify the vessels or say who was responsible for the attacks.

The incidents occurred as tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy-shipping routes.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The attacks have added to concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region as the conflict involving Iran and the United States continues. However, the identity of those responsible for the latest incidents has not been established.

Iran and the United States have accused each other of threatening commercial shipping during the conflict.

Any claim that Iran deliberately targeted the three vessels should therefore be attributed unless independently established.

The incidents are particularly significant for global energy markets because the Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of international oil and gas shipments.

Disruptions in the waterway can affect tanker traffic, insurance costs and global energy prices.