Iran fired missiles at two commercial vessels in Strait of Hormuz: Report

Two commercial ships were damaged after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly fired at least two missiles at vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, according to an Axios report that cited two US officials.

The report said both ships suffered significant damage, but there were no casualties.

In a separate incident, Britain’s maritime security agency said a tanker caught fire after being hit by an unknown projectile early Tuesday near Limah, east of Oman.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the tanker was struck on its left side while sailing south about 8 nautical miles (15 kilometers) east of Limah. The attack caused a fire, but no injuries or environmental damage were reported.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the Axios report or confirm whether the damaged ships included the tanker mentioned by the UKMTO. US Central Command also did not immediately comment on the reports.

The incidents have increased concerns about the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes. Around one-fifth of global oil consumption passes through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.

Commercial ships have faced growing risks since the conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Although an interim agreement included safe-passage measures, attacks on vessels have continued.

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran ended last week without any public breakthrough. The discussions took place during a 60-day ceasefire that was meant to support diplomatic efforts after the conflict began.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would either reach an agreement with Iran or “finish the job,” repeating his warning of possible military action.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also warned ships over maritime radio during the weekend, saying, “our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you.”

The newspaper reported that one of the damaged vessels may have been Al Rekayyat, a liquefied natural gas tanker owned by Nakilat. A recording quoted by the newspaper said, “Engine room fire and full of smoke. Unable to assess further damage. All crew are safe and mustered on the starboard side.”

Officials from Nakilat, QatarEnergy, and Qatar’s International Media Office had not commented at the time of reporting.

The latest incidents have raised fresh concerns among global markets as investors continue to monitor tensions in the region and the safety of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.