Several oil tankers and commercial vessels have reportedly come under attack in the past 24 hours after shipping resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, which links Iran and Oman. The waterway had previously been closed by Iran following the outbreak of hostilities involving Israel and the United States.
The incidents were confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which said four oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz were targeted during the past day.
According to UKMTO, the vessels sustained varying degrees of damage. However, the organization said it has not yet been determined who was responsible for the attacks.
Among the vessels targeted was a Qatari ship. Qatari authorities have alleged that Iran was behind the attack, although no official confirmation has been provided by independent sources.
The attacks come as Iran continues the state funeral ceremonies for its slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering in the holy city of Qom and in Teheran. The incidents have further heightened tensions across the Gulf, raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes as fears grow that the conflict could further disrupt global oil supplies.
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