ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, damaging its engine room and disabling the vessel, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said early Tuesday.
The incident occurred about nine nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman, UKMTO said. “The Master of an oil tanker reports the vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile causing damage to the engine room and disabling the vessel,” UKMTO said.
“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the maritime security monitor said, adding that the crew were reported safe, while the environmental impact of the incident remained unknown at the time of the report, pending investigations.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route that has been significantly disrupted since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran in late February.
Iran has effectively restricted maritime traffic through the strait and advanced plans to collect tolls from vessels using the waterway, while attacks have also been reported against ships allegedly attempting to deviate from routes designated by Tehran.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global energy supplies passed during peacetime, has been severely constrained by escalating tensions between Iran and the US.
The US imposed its latest blockade in mid-July, while US Central Command (CENTCOM) has since reported redirecting 71 commercial vessels, disabling three and boarding two to enforce compliance. More than 40 vessels carrying humanitarian aid have been allowed to transit, according to CENTCOM's latest figures.
The latest maritime incident also comes as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.
The US Treasury Department on Monday announced sweeping sanctions against Iran under what it called “Operation Economic Outcast,” targeting networks involved in oil smuggling, sanctions evasion and the financing of Iran's military and other state institutions.
“Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The measures include sanctions against nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels across multiple jurisdictions, as well as networks linked to Iran's oil trade and the procurement of sensitive nuclear and missile technology.
The Treasury Department also warned of sanctions risks for companies complying with Iranian demands related to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid the disruptions, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed a mechanism to facilitate safe maritime transit for humanitarian purposes. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the proposal as a “wise” move, while stressing that its implementation depends on the consent of member states.
“Given the current situation I think it was a wise move to reiterate the fact that this effort exists,” Dujarric told Rudaw late Monday.
The UN initiative initially seeks to facilitate the transit of commercial fertilizers and related raw materials through the strait, with the possibility of expanding it to other products.
