A cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman on Thursday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed.
The British maritime agency reported the suspected attack shortly after Iran issued fresh warnings to shipping companies, demanding they cease using the strategic waterway without explicit permission from Tehran.
The incident marks a sharp escalation in maritime security risks at one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
While commercial traffic through the strait has recently climbed to its highest level since the March closure, volumes remain significantly below pre-conflict norms.
The attack reinforces the vulnerability of commercial vessels operating in the corridor, where geopolitical friction continues to translate into tangible physical risk for shipping assets.
For market participants, the event highlights the fragility of the current shipping regime.