UKMTO said the tanker was approached on its port side by a small boat that attached two explosive devices above the waterline. The resulting blasts ignited a fire in the engine room, temporarily disabling the vessel.
The fire was reported extinguished by the vessel's crew, and the ship is now proceeding to its next port of call. All crew members were confirmed safe, and no environmental impact has been reported.
The incident underscores growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport. Iran’s Naval Public Relations agency said the tanker had struck a naval mine in a restricted area east of the strait, a claim disputed by UKMTO.
Iran has warned commercial vessels against transiting uncoordinated passages, citing control over the waterway and the need to meet Tehran’s conditions. The Iranian government has also claimed that three other tankers caught fire after striking mines over the past 24 hours.
In Washington, Admiral Brad Cooper briefed President Donald Trump on military options concerning Iran, while the US has increased air defenses and munitions in the region. The next step will be a UN Security Council meeting scheduled for Friday to discuss maritime security.