Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following reports that Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial ships traversing the vital Strait of Hormuz on Monday night. US officials confirmed the attacks, noting that two vessels sustained significant damage, though no casualties were reported.
The incidents occurred less than three weeks after Iran signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to halt such attacks in the strategic waterway. These missile strikes also follow the expiration of a Qatar-facilitated, one-week agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating maritime hostilities. Indirect talks between the two nations in Doha last week concluded without substantial progress.
Details of the Attacks
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported early Tuesday that a tanker traveling south near Oman, along the Strait of Hormuz coast, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire. The British military later specified that the tanker was hit near Limah, Oman, with the projectile impacting the port side as the vessel moved towards the Gulf of Oman.
A US official independently confirmed that a second commercial vessel was also targeted by an Iranian missile. Both ships reportedly suffered considerable damage. While the British military indicated no environmental impact, authorities have launched an investigation into the incidents. No specific group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
One of the targeted vessels was identified as the Al Rekayyat, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker owned by Qatar's Nakilat. Reports indicate the ship was hit on its port side near the engine room. Crew members on the Al Rekayyat reported an engine room fire and heavy smoke, but confirmed they were safe and had gathered on the starboard side of the vessel, which was at the mouth of the strait in the Gulf of Oman when attacked.
Geopolitical Context and US Response
These latest attacks raise serious concerns about the stability of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iran has been suspected of attacking at least two other vessels in the strait near Oman in recent days.
President Donald Trump, speaking on Monday, reiterated his stance that the US would either secure a deal with Iran or "finish the job," renewing threats of military action. Over the past weekend, Iran's Revolutionary Guard had issued warnings via maritime radio, stating that their missiles and drones were ready to fire. The US is reportedly considering retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets in response to these latest aggressions.