The United States military has attacked a tanker flying the flag of Curacao that was reportedly en route to an Iranian port, according to de Volkskrant.
The vessel was allegedly proceeding despite an existing blockade, marking a direct military intervention in the ongoing maritime tensions in the region.
This incident follows a series of escalations in the Strait of Hormuz, where multiple vessels have recently been struck by unidentified projectiles.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) previously confirmed that a cargo vessel was hit on Thursday and a tanker sustained bridge damage on Saturday.
The US action represents a shift from passive monitoring to active engagement against vessels violating the blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any disruption to transit routes immediately impacts shipping insurance costs and freight rates.