Iran fires missiles at commercial ships near Oman coast

Key facts

• A tanker was struck by a projectile near Oman, sustaining minor structural damage.
• Two tankers were reportedly hit by projectiles or drones in the Strait of Hormuz within an hour.
• Iran's Revolutionary Guards are suspected of firing missiles at commercial ships.
• No casualties or environmental impacts have been reported from the incidents.
• Iran's military has warned vessels to adhere to designated routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

A British maritime agency reported strikes on two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz in less than an hour on Tuesday, with a third incident occurring earlier in the day. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) stated that a tanker sustained minor structural damage after being hit by a drone, while another was struck by an unidentified projectile, also causing structural damage. Early Tuesday morning, a third ship reported being hit by an "unknown projectile" near Limah, Oman. No casualties or environmental impacts have been reported in any of the incidents. Iran's Revolutionary Guards are suspected of firing missiles at commercial ships, and Iranian media claimed one tanker was targeted after ignoring IRGC navy warnings. Tehran has stated that only its approved routes through the Strait of Hormuz are safe. The Strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy transit.