Amid escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran, an oil tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on the 17th (local time).

According to the UKMTO, a report was received that an oil tanker had been struck by an unidentified projectile on the morning of the 17th, causing minor damage to its port side, at a location 19 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km) east of Cape Kasab, Oman.

There were no casualties among the crew, and the vessel is currently proceeding to its next port of call, the UKMTO reported.

This marks the second time in three days since the 14th that the UKMTO has reported an attack on a merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has been conducting military operations against Iran for a week since the 11th, and Iran has been responding with retaliatory airstrikes targeting U.S. military bases across the Middle East.

(Photo: Provided by UKMTO, Yonhap News)