Two vessels struck in Strait of Hormuz as Iran continues strikes after US‑Israeli raids

Smoke rising from a damaged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz 

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DUBAI — Two commercial vessels were struck on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime security agencies reported, as Iran pressed a second day of retaliatory strikes following reported U.S.‑Israeli air raids. The incidents prompted shipping companies to reroute vessels and raised fresh concerns about safety in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said one ship off the coast of Oman was hit by an unknown projectile above the waterline, causing an engine‑room fire that was later brought under control. In a separate incident, another vessel was struck by a projectile that ignited a fire, which was subsequently extinguished; that ship intended to continue its voyage, UKMTO added.

Private maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported that the second vessel, identified as a tanker, was located about 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr in the United Arab Emirates when it was struck. Iranian state television broadcast images of thick black smoke rising from a vessel it said had been hit while transiting the strait and reported the ship was “sinking,” though independent confirmation of that claim was not immediately available.

The attacks followed a declaration by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps the previous day that the shipping lane was closed and unsafe after what Tehran described as US‑Israeli strikes. The closure warning and subsequent incidents prompted major carriers to take precautionary measures.

Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it was suspending all vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing safety concerns. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) also instructed ships in the Gulf to proceed to designated safe shelter areas. Several other operators and insurers were reported to be reassessing transits and coverage for vessels in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Disruptions there can have immediate implications for global energy markets and shipping costs, and the incidents are likely to draw close attention from governments, industry groups, and international maritime agencies.

Authorities in the region have not yet released a full account of the incidents, and investigations were reported to be underway. Shipping companies and maritime security firms urged vessels to exercise heightened caution, maintain communications with local authorities, and follow guidance from naval and commercial security advisories.

Analysts warned that continued attacks or further escalation could prompt broader rerouting of tankers around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing voyage times and costs. For now, the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety of crews, assessing damage to affected vessels, and clarifying the circumstances of the strikes.

Strait of Hormuz two vessels attacked in 2026