A commercial tanker suffered a fire after explosive devices attached to its hull detonated while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the attack took place around 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, as the vessel was sailing outbound through the strategic waterway. The explosions triggered a fire in the engine room, temporarily disabling the tanker, but all crew members were reported safe. The blaze was later brought under control, allowing the ship to continue its journey toward its next destination without any reported environmental damage.

UKMTO stated that a small boat approached the tanker before two explosive devices were attached to the vessel’s port side above the waterline. After the explosives detonated, maritime authorities immediately monitored the situation and later confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. The agency has advised all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to remain on high alert, exercise extreme caution and promptly report any suspicious maritime activity while investigations into the incident continue. Officials have not yet identified those responsible for the attack.

The latest incident comes at a time of continued security concerns in the Gulf region despite a ceasefire reached earlier this year following military confrontations involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Although Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in June, disagreements over security arrangements have slowed its implementation. The renewed attack has once again highlighted the vulnerability of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, through which a significant share of global oil and energy supplies passes every day.