Tanker Catches Fire After Projectile Strike in Strait of Hormuz

A tanker traveling near Limah, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz was struck on its port side by a projectile early Tuesday, igniting a fire on board, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre. The vessel, identified as a liquefied natural gas carrier, was heading south out of the strait toward the Gulf of Oman. British officials said there was no immediate environmental impact, and authorities are investigating the incident.

Iranian state television reported that the tanker, which it said was carrying natural gas from Qatar, had ignored warnings before being attacked, though Tehran has not issued an official claim of responsibility. The Iranian joint military command previously warned that vessels deviating from routes approved by Iran would face “an immediate and forceful response.”

The incident follows a series of disputes over navigation in the strait, where Iran has insisted on controlling vessel routes and has threatened to charge passage fees, a move opposed by the United States and Gulf Arab states. The United States is pursuing negotiations with Iran aimed at fully reopening the waterway and addressing broader regional security concerns.

The attack occurs amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty, as talks between Iran and the United States are on hold pending the burial of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Large crowds gathered in Qom for the funeral, and Iranian media broadcast images of the mourners.