DUBAI: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, damaging two ships but causing no casualties, according to Axios, citing two U.S. officials.
The report said both vessels sustained significant damage. However, U.S. authorities have not officially confirmed the incident, and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What Happened to the Tanker Near Oman?
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a tanker caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 8 nautical miles (15 kilometers) east of Limah, Oman, early Tuesday.
According to UKMTO, the projectile hit the vessel’s port side, triggering a fire. The blaze was contained, and no casualties or environmental damage were reported.
Reuters said it could not independently verify whether the tanker mentioned by UKMTO was among the vessels cited in the Axios report.
Which Vessel Was Reportedly Targeted?
According to The Wall Street Journal, one of the affected vessels appeared to be Al Rekayyat, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier owned and managed by Nakilat (Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd.), one of the world’s largest LNG shipping operators.
The newspaper, citing maritime communications, reported that the vessel was struck near the engine room while sailing through the Gulf of Oman.
A recorded distress message reportedly stated:
“Engine room fire and full of smoke. Unable to assess further damage. All crew are safe and mustered on the starboard side.”
Neither Nakilat nor QatarEnergy immediately commented on the reports.
What Warning Had Iran Issued?
According to The Wall Street Journal, the IRGC warned commercial vessels over maritime radio during the weekend that:
“Our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you.”
The reported warning came amid heightened military tensions following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Strategically Important?
The reported attacks have renewed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Around 20 percent of global oil consumption passes through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption could have significant consequences for global energy supplies and international trade.
What Is the Current Diplomatic Situation?
The incident comes after indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations ended last week without any publicly announced breakthrough toward a lasting agreement.
Although a 60-day ceasefire was intended to facilitate diplomacy following the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran, tensions remain high.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would either reach a deal with Iran or “finish the job,” renewing the possibility of further military action.
The reported attacks highlight growing risks to commercial shipping as regional tensions continue to escalate and diplomatic efforts remain stalled.