07/07/2026
Share:
07/07/2026
Share:
LONDON, Jul 7: The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the maritime security threat level in and around the Strait of Hormuz to "severe" following attacks on three commercial tankers on Tuesday, warning that "deliberate hostile action" is now considered likely.
According to UKMTO, an unnamed LNG tanker was struck by an unknown projectile on the port side engine room while transiting southbound through the Strait of Hormuz, about eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman. The impact sparked a fire on board, although no casualties were reported.
A second vessel, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), was hit by an unknown projectile on the port side while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 16 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, UAE. Despite the attack, the tanker remained operational and continued to its next port of call. No crew members were injured.
A third unnamed tanker sustained minor structural damage after being struck by an unknown projectile about six nautical miles east of Oman's Musandam Peninsula. UKMTO said there were no casualties or environmental damage, and the vessel was able to continue its voyage.
In its latest security advisory, UKMTO said the incidents prompted an immediate increase in the regional threat assessment.
"Iranian attacks have raised the threat level to SEVERE, with deliberate hostile action likely under current conditions."
The agency also warned that electronic navigation interference continues to affect vessels operating in the region and that the risk posed by naval mines remains significant within and near the traffic separation scheme.
"The recent confirmed incidents highlight that the threat environment remains heightened and warrants extreme vigilance. IRGC hailing and routing pressure continue, particularly for AIS-active vessels."
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil passes, remains one of the world's most strategically important shipping lanes. The latest attacks are expected to heighten concerns over the security of commercial shipping and global energy supplies as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
