Tankers Near Oman Hit as Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Shipping

A tanker operating near Oman reported damage to its engine room after being hit by an unidentified projectile, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO). The vessel, now listed as not under command, was 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman and no casualties or environmental impact were reported. A second tanker in the same area said it saw a large splash and explosion close to the ship.

Iran warned that continued U.S. naval blockades and attacks would force it to further restrict the Strait of Hormuz and other chokepoints, a statement attributed to Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The warning follows a recent wave of U.S. strikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard targets and Iranian retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Kuwait's air defenses also engaged hostile drones, and Egypt reported a drone strike that hit two ships in the Mediterranean port of Damietta, causing a fire. The incidents come as reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump is considering additional strikes on Iranian energy facilities, though officials say a decision could be delayed if diplomatic progress occurs.

Oil markets reacted to the escalation, with West Texas Intermediate futures rising over 1% to $84.67 per barrel and Brent crude closing at $90.12 per barrel.