London: An “unknown projectile” struck an oil tanker off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, causing a fire, the British maritime security agency UKMTO said.
The incident occurred near one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and ongoing efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident took place eight nautical miles east of Lima, Oman.
“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.
“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the agency added, saying authorities were investigating.
Maritime traffic resumed after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the strategic route.
However, Iran has insisted there will be no return to pre-war arrangements, under which vessels could pass freely through the strait.
Tehran has warned ships against using routes outside a corridor it has authorised along its coastline.
The Strait of Hormuz is the main maritime gateway for energy exports from the Gulf to international markets, particularly in Asia.
Around 20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the waterway each day in 2024, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global crude, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
