Iranian Regime Resumes Attacks on Commercial Ships, Qatar's Oil Tanker Hit Off Oman Coast

MUSCAT, Jul 7: Tensions in the Gulf have flared again after Iran allegedly resumed attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with reports claiming that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at vessels transiting the vital waterway.

According to Axios, citing two US officials, the IRGC launched at least two missiles at commercial ships late Monday. The report said the United States is likely to respond with military strikes against Iranian targets following the incident.

Iran's state broadcaster, posting on X, claimed that a Qatari oil tanker attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz via the Omani route under the protection of the US Navy was targeted after allegedly ignoring repeated warnings issued by Iranian authorities.

Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman. The incident occurred about eight nautical miles east of Limah while the vessel was travelling southbound.

According to UKMTO, the projectile hit the tanker on its port side, sparking a fire onboard. The agency said authorities are investigating the attack and urged all vessels operating in the area to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity.

Despite the damage, UKMTO said there were no reported casualties or environmental pollution resulting from the incident.

The reported attack raises fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, through which roughly one-fifth of global crude oil supplies pass. Any escalation in the region could have significant implications for global energy markets and international shipping.