Three cargo vessels have been struck by "unknown projectiles" in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, as regional tensions skyrocket following recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Maritime security agencies have urged extreme caution in the area.
The attacks on Wednesday mark a significant escalation in a waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil typically passes. Shipping traffic has already plummeted since the conflict intensified in late February.
Details of the Ship Attacks in the Gulf of Oman and Gulf
According to maritime officials and security firms, the incidents occurred at separate locations near the United Arab Emirates and Oman:
Thai-Flagged Vessel: The Royal Thai Navy reported that one of its flagged ships was hit approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman, sparking a fire on board. All 23 crew members are reportedly being rescued.
Japan-Flagged Container Ship: A Japanese vessel sustained minor damage after being struck about 46km (25 nautical miles) off the UAE coast, maritime security firm Vanguard confirmed to the BBC.
Third Cargo Vessel: The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported another cargo ship was hit roughly 93km (50 nautical miles) north-west of Dubai.
The cause of the strikes is under investigation. The UKMTO has issued a warning for all ships transiting the area to "transit with caution."
Escalating Conflict: Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes
The ship attacks coincide with a major Iranian operation. On Wednesday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched missile attacks targeting multiple US-linked facilities in the region, including:
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
Camp Arifjan in Kuwait
Harir Air Base in Iraq
Iranian state media described the barrage as the "most devastating and heaviest operation" since the war began. US officials have not yet commented on these specific strikes.
In a separate, claimed attack, Saudi Arabia stated its forces intercepted six ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base and a seventh heading towards the country's east. Two drones heading towards an oil field were also reportedly shot down.
Wider Regional Fallout: Drones Near Dubai, Strikes on Lebanon
The conflict's impact spread to civilian areas and other nations:
Dubai Airport Incident: Four people were injured after two drones fell near Dubai International Airport. This marks the second time the airport has been affected in five days, though authorities stated air traffic continued as normal. Passengers were reportedly advised to move away from windows.
Oman: A drone was shot down over Oman, and another fell into the sea, according to the country's state news agency.
Israel-Hizbollah Front: Israel's military reported launching a "wide-scale wave" of strikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut. Earlier, a strike hit an apartment building in a residential area of central Beirut. Separately, Lebanon's health ministry reported that seven people were killed in strikes on villages in the Bekaa Valley.
Global Oil Market Under Pressure
The escalating conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices surged close to $120 a barrel following the initial US-Israel attacks on Iran, before settling near $87—a level roughly 20% higher than before hostilities began.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) held a second meeting with G7 nations on Tuesday to discuss stabilizing the market, including the potential release of millions of barrels of crude from strategic stockpiles.
US President Donald Trump had previously issued a stark warning to Iran against mining the strait, stating on Truth Social that the "Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before." The US has also claimed to have "eliminated" 16 Iranian ships capable of laying mines in the waterway.
Key Points: Understanding the Strait of Hormuz Attacks
What Happened: Three cargo vessels (Thai, Japanese, and another) were hit by unknown projectiles.
Where: In the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters near the UAE and Oman.
Broader Context: The attacks follow US-Israel strikes on Iran and are part of a wave of Iranian retaliatory actions, including missile launches at bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq.
Impact on Oil: The strait is a vital oil corridor; the conflict has reduced traffic and spiked global oil prices.
Security Alert: The UKMTO has urged extreme caution for all vessels in the area.
The situation remains highly volatile, with multiple nations and critical infrastructure now directly impacted by the widening Middle East conflict.
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