International
oi-Ashish Rana
Three commercial tankers have come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz within a span of 24 hours, raising fresh concerns over maritime security despite the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The latest incident, confirmed by the UK maritime agency on Tuesday, follows two earlier attacks near the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with global shipping routes.
Three commercial tankers were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, with the latest vessel struck by a suspected drone and sustaining minor damage, raising maritime security concerns despite the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire.
Third Tanker Damaged By Suspected Drone Strike
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the latest tanker was struck while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The agency said the vessel suffered limited structural damage after being hit by what is believed to be an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle.
“UKMTO has received a report of a further incident involving a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was struck by an unknown Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and has sustained minor structural damage. No casualties or environmental impact reported, and vessel is continuing to its next port of call,” it said in a post on X.
Authorities confirmed that there were no injuries among the crew and no signs of pollution, allowing the vessel to continue its scheduled journey.
Two Earlier Attacks Reported Near Oman
The latest strike came after two separate tanker incidents were reported in the same region over the previous 24 hours. One of the vessels caught fire after it was attacked while sailing off the coast of Oman, prompting immediate concern over the safety of ships navigating the busy maritime corridor.
Iranian state television reported that the targeted liquefied natural gas tanker had ignored official warnings before the attack. However, the broadcaster stopped short of directly claiming responsibility for the incident.
The second tanker also came under attack and suffered structural damage. UKMTO said no crew members were injured despite the impact.
Security Concerns Rise In Strategic Waterway
The series of attacks has renewed fears over shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. The waterway carries a significant share of global oil and gas exports, making any disruption a matter of international concern.
The incidents also come as Iran has declared that only the shipping route approved by Tehran through the Strait of Hormuz is considered safe, adding to uncertainty for commercial vessels operating in the region.
Fresh Questions Over Maritime Stability
With three tanker attacks reported in just one day, maritime agencies and shipping companies are expected to closely monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents have occurred even as the US-Iran ceasefire remains in place, highlighting continuing risks for commercial navigation in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
