Iran Claims Responsibility for Tanker Attack in Strait of Hormuz; UKMTO Reports Two Tankers Hit
An oil tanker was struck by an 'unknown projectile' off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026, causing a fire. The UKMTO reported no casualties or environmental damage, but also noted a second tanker was significantly damaged. Iran's state TV claimed the tanker ignored warnings, implying responsibility, though no direct admission was made.
Where Sources Diverge
The exact number of tankers hit is unclear. One report states one tanker was hit, while another suggests a second tanker was also struck.
Tanker set ablaze after being struck by projectile in the Hormuz strait off Oman coast
Three tankers hit in latest attacks in Strait of Hormuz: UKMTO
Axios reported late on Monday that Iran had 'fired at least two missiles at commercial ships'
The identity of the projectile and the responsible party remains unclear. Some sources attribute the attack to Iran, while others do not confirm this.
Iran's state TV claims the tanker ignored warnings, but no direct responsibility for the attack has been declared.
Iranian state television said a liquified natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings, implying Tehran carried out the assault.
The UKMTO has not confirmed the details of the attack.
Timelines
Sources
The UKMTO maritime agency is investigating the incidents and advised vessels in the area to proceed with caution.
A tanker was struck Monday by an "unknown projectile" off the coast of Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz region, according to the British maritime agency UKMTO.
An “unknown projectile” struck and caused a fire on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, British maritime security agency United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (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 maritime agency said the incident took place eight nautical miles east of Limah, 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. US news outlet Axios reported late on Monday that Iran had “fired at least two missiles at commercial ships”, citing two unnamed US officials. One of the officials told the outlet that a second ship was also struck, and had been damaged significantly. AFP has not been able to independently confirm the Axios report. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. The Strait of Hormuz was at the centre of tensions during the Middle East war, when Iran blockaded the waterway and a number of commercial vessels came under attack, sending global energy prices sharply higher. The United States responded with its own naval blockade and later launched retaliatory strikes against Iran after accusing Tehran of targeting commercial shipping. Maritime traffic resumed after Washington and Tehran signed the Islamabad 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.
Iranian state television said the tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.
Iran's state TV claims the tanker ignored warnings, but no direct responsibility for the attack has been declared.
Iranian state television said a liquified natural gas tanker came under attack Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman after ignoring warnings, implying Tehran carried out the assault on a tanker it said was carrying natural gas from Qatar.
An “unknown projectile” struck and caused a fire on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, 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 about 8 nautical miles (15km) east of Limah,...
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said the tanker had been hit near Limah, Oman, in the strait
An "unknown projectile" has struck and caused a fire on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, British maritime security agency UKMTO has said.
The incident occurred east of Limah, Oman. A projectile struck a tanker and caused a fire while it was traveling southbound, with no casualties reported.