A tanker conducting an inbound transit was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, injuring two crew members, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
The strike adds to a string of attacks on commercial vessels that have plagued the waterway since the outbreak of the Iran‑US conflict in 2023, with the channel now a flashpoint for maritime security.
Earlier this month, Tehran announced an expansion of its "no‑go" zone beyond the Strait, extending into parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, a move that has intensified pressure on shipping lanes.
Washington, which maintains a counter‑blockade of Iranian ports, has urged its allies to escort commercial traffic through the region, while the International Maritime Organization has called for heightened vigilance.
UKMTO reports the damaged tanker is proceeding to its next port of call under its own power, but the incident has prompted a review of escort protocols for vessels transiting the Hormuz corridor.
The incident is expected to be reviewed by the International Maritime Organization during its upcoming session in March, where member states will assess the safety of the waterway.