The UK Maritime Agency has reported that three tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz within the past 24 hours, raising fresh concerns over security in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. This incident comes days after the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, and as funeral processions for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continue across Iran.
According to the British military, another tanker was attacked by a drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, marking the third such incident in the day, the British military confirmed, while one of the tankers caught fire after it was hit while sailing off the coast of Oman.
The latest attacks threatened to disrupt shipping through the strait just as countries were hoping to restore normal maritime operations and ease the global economic strain caused by the war between the US and Iran.
What happened?
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said one of the tankers caught fire while travelling off the coast of Oman. Iranian state television claimed the LNG tanker came under attack after disregarding warnings but did not directly claim responsibility.
Two additional tankers were also targeted, including one that was reportedly struck by a drone. Authorities did not immediately disclose the exact locations of the other two vessels at the time of the attacks. Both sustained damage, although no injuries were reported. The maritime agency added that at least one of the ships continued its journey after the attack.
Tehran, which has repeatedly declared that only its approved route through the strait is safe, is suspected of attacking other ships that have used another route close to the Omani coast.
Meanwhile, the United States is seeking to resume negotiations with Iran aimed at fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, rolling back Tehran's disputed nuclear programme, and securing a lasting end to the war that began on February 28.
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Iran Resumes Strikes in Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, citing unnamed sources, on Tuesday reported that the Qatarti oil tanker "Al-Raqayat" was targeted after allegedly attempting to transit through the Omani route in the Strait of Hormuz with US Navy support while ignoring repeated Iranian warnings.
IRIB further highlighted Iran's longstanding position that "the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not return to what it was before the US attack on Iran," adding that all transit through the Strait must follow routes announced by Iran; otherwise, the security of vessels cannot be guaranteed.
( With inputs from agencies )