Three cargo vessels were struck by suspected projectiles off the coast of Iran early Wednesday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), raising fresh concerns about security in one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
One of the ships was hit roughly 11 nautical miles north of Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire onboard and forcing the crew to evacuate, UKMTO said in a maritime advisory.
The incident is part of a growing series of attacks targeting commercial vessels operating in and around the Persian Gulf.
Two Additional Ships Damaged
UKMTO reported two additional incidents involving commercial vessels on Wednesday morning.
One ship was struck by a projectile approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, while another vessel sustained damage off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
Authorities are currently investigating the incidents. UKMTO has urged ships operating in the region to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity.
Escalating Tensions in the Gulf
The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following airstrikes launched on Feb. 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously warned Tehran about alleged efforts to mine key shipping lanes in the region.
Iran has since been accused of targeting vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and is widely regarded as one of the most critical energy chokepoints in global trade.
Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption a potential threat to global energy markets.
U.S. Military Sinks Iranian Ships
The situation intensified further after the United States Central Command said U.S. forces had sunk 16 Iranian minelayer vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
The move followed reports that Iran had attempted to deploy naval mines in the waterway.
Trump earlier stated that if mines had been placed in the strait, they must be removed “immediately.”
Maritime Incidents Increasing
According to UKMTO data, 17 maritime incidents involving commercial vessels have been reported since the conflict began on Feb. 28.
These incidents occurred across:
- The Persian Gulf
- The Strait of Hormuz
- The Gulf of Oman
Among them:
- 13 reported attacks
- 4 cases of suspicious maritime activity
Security concerns have already slowed shipping traffic in the region, with some vessels delaying or rerouting journeys to avoid the high-risk zone.
Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have major consequences for global oil supply and energy prices.