SRINAGAR: Two commercial ships sustained significant damage after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, according to a report by Axios citing US officials.
The ships suffered damage but there were no reported casualties, Axios reported, citing a US official.
Separately, the United Kingdom’s maritime security agency said a tanker caught fire early Tuesday after being struck by an unknown projectile while sailing near Oman.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident occurred eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman, according to AFP.
“A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound,” UKMTO said in a post on X.
The agency said there were no reports of casualties or environmental damage following the incident. It advised vessels operating in the area to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, adding that authorities were investigating.
The incidents come amid continued tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global shipping route. Since March, several commercial vessels have come under attack in the waterway after Iran blockaded the route in response to US-Israeli attacks.
The United States subsequently imposed its own naval blockade and later carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting commercial shipping.
Maritime traffic resumed after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the strategic route.
However, Iran has said there will be no return to the pre-conflict arrangements that allowed vessels to pass freely through the strait. Tehran has warned ships against using routes outside a corridor it has authorised along its coastline.
