The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile on October 1, causing a fire, but the crew is safe, according to third-party reports.
UKMTO did not disclose specific details about the vessel's name, nationality, route, or cargo type. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In contrast, Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency cited the Persian Gulf Shipping Authority (PGSA), claiming the targeted vessel was a supertanker capable of carrying 2.5 million barrels of crude oil. The report stated that the tanker was hit approximately 8 kilometers off the coast of Oman while navigating an 'unauthorized route' south of the strait.
Fars News also noted that several tankers have been struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, with three of them reportedly owned or chartered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The New York Times reported that Iran has conducted approximately 30 drone attacks and 10 missile attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz each week. According to UKMTO, at least 13 vessels, primarily tankers, have been hit by projectiles or debris since October 10.
Meanwhile, negotiations between the United States and Iran have reached a stalemate. President Donald Trump suggested in an interview with Time magazine on October 1 that he may increase airstrikes and bombings against Iran after the upcoming midterm elections. The U.S. military has also decided to deploy an additional aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 troops to the Middle East, raising tensions in the region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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