An oil tanker was attacked and disabled near the Strait of Hormuz overnight as tensions between Iran and the US escalated over sanctions and control of the vital waterway.
The vessel was operating off the coast of Oman, where ships have been attempting to transit under US protection, when an unknown projectile struck it, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The blast damaged the ship’s engine room and left the tanker inoperable, though no casualties were reported.
While Iran did not immediately claim responsibility, Tehran has repeatedly targeted ships trying to bypass its control of the strait for months. Maritime analysts note at least half a dozen vessels have been struck in recent weeks. The broader toll since the war began stands at 68 reported attacks on shipping vessels in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, with at least 20 seafarers killed and 35 others injured.
Hours after the attack, Iran and Oman — both of which border Hormuz — announced a proposed “temporary navigational corridor” that would clear sea mines and allow safe passage for ships. The statement referenced “the provision of relevant navigational and security services,” which the US interprets as Iran’s code for establishing a toll system through the waterway. The US has said charging ships for passage through Hormuz — which once carried one-third of the world’s oil — is a non-starter and illegal under international law.
The latest strike came after Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh warned that the regime would take the offensive against its enemies. “Our enemies want to launch an economic terrorist attack against us,” state news agency IRNA quoted him.
“This time, they should not think that our approach will be defensive and that we will only defend ourselves. They should also expect an attack from us,” he added.
Iran has also blacklisted 45 tankers that have allegedly violated its protocols when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to fine the vessels or confiscate their cargo. It remains unclear if the ship attacked on Tuesday was among those blacklisted vessels.
Iran’s repeated claims to the Strait of Hormuz triggered a new phase of the war focused on strangling the regime’s economy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the start of “Operation Economic Outcast,” which would see the US pressure secondary countries to cut off trade with Iran. The Iranian economy is already burdened by western sanctions and historically high inflation.
Iran is betting it can outlast the economic pain while also pressuring the Trump administration with soaring oil prices driven by the war and uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz.
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