A tanker has reportedly been struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Britain’s Maritime Trade Operations agency, marking a fresh escalation in tensions following recent US-Iran military exchanges.
The incident came after both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating a recently brokered interim peace understanding, which had been aimed at ending months of conflict. The US said it had carried out strikes on Iranian targets overnight, while Iran claimed it had responded by targeting US-linked positions.
The tanker attack followed another strike on a cargo vessel earlier in the week, further heightening instability in the vital maritime corridor. UK maritime security officials reported that the damaged tanker sustained impact to its bridge, though all crew members were confirmed safe. A multinational maritime security body also raised its alert level in response to the deteriorating situation.
Iran has not directly confirmed responsibility for the specific ship attacks, but state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had fired warning shots near vessels it claimed were operating without Iranian approval in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has indicated that ships may need to obtain permission before passing through the route.
Separately, Iran said it had conducted defensive strikes on US-related military targets, while Bahrain reported a drone attack linked to Iranian forces near areas hosting US naval presence. The United States has not officially responded to those claims.
Iranian officials accused Washington of violating the ceasefire arrangement, arguing that US actions in the region and support for allied forces had undermined the agreement. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, has seen repeated disruptions throughout the conflict.
At the same time, Israel and Lebanon continue to experience spillover tensions, with reported drone strikes in southern Lebanon despite ongoing ceasefire efforts mediated by the US.
Iranian advisers and lawmakers have reiterated that any perceived violations of its maritime directives would be met with a strong response, signalling continued assertiveness over control of the strait.
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington had upheld the ceasefire agreement and warned that any renewed violence would be met with retaliation, while placing responsibility for escalation on Iran. He also suggested that diplomatic communication channels remain open.
The escalation has taken place amid ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets. Hundreds of ships were previously delayed in the Gulf during earlier phases of the conflict, and although some traffic has resumed, full stabilisation of the shipping route remains dependent on sustained security.
Oil prices, which had been declining earlier in the week, remain sensitive to developments in the region, with analysts noting that weekend flare-ups often delay market reaction until trading resumes.
