A tanker captain has reported an explosion near his vessel off the coast of Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center.
The incident was flagged on Monday, adding a fresh layer of uncertainty to shipping operations in the region.
The UKMTO, which monitors maritime security and issues warnings to commercial vessels, confirmed the report, though details regarding the cause of the explosion and the condition of the ship remain limited.
The blast comes at a sensitive time for regional trade flows.
Iran and Oman are currently engaged in negotiations regarding a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian foreign ministry officials have indicated that discussions are underway, though they cautioned that any potential agreement on a new corridor does not necessarily imply a full reopening of existing transit patterns.