Another Tanker Hit Near Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions

A tanker passing near the Strait of Hormuz has been struck by an unidentified projectile and left inoperable, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on August 1 (local time).

According to Reuters, the UKMTO reported that the tanker attack took place in waters about 20 kilometers northeast of Lima, Oman.

The UKMTO explained that the attacked tanker suffered damage to its engine room and is currently unable to navigate under its own power.

The waters where the incident occurred are at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Since the outbreak of war in February of this year, Iran has declared control over the Strait of Hormuz—a major energy transport route—and has attacked commercial vessels citing non-compliance with its directives.

This ship attack occurred amid heightened tensions as projections surfaced that the United States and Israel are preparing large-scale airstrikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure this weekend (August 1–2).

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.