The security environment in the Strait of Hormuz has deteriorated sharply, with a maritime risk executive describing the current situation as a "worst-case scenario" for oil tankers.
The assessment follows a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels over the past week, culminating in a deadly strike on Tuesday.
The crude oil tanker Al Bahyah was hit off the coast of Oman, resulting in one fatality and three injuries among the crew.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the physical threat to commercial shipping in the region, moving beyond warnings and disruptions to direct lethal force against merchant vessels.
The attack comes as a US-led naval coalition has already raised the threat level for commercial shipping in the Strait to "severe." The coalition warned merchant vessels of the heightened danger, while Iran has issued stern warnings that it will respond forcefully to any tankers deviating from established routes.
These conflicting signals have intensified fears of a broader disruption to global oil supplies.