Tanker Hit by Unknown Projectiles in Strait of Hormuz as Tensions Escalate
President Trump launches "Project Freedom" to escort 1,000 stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military operation begins amid fresh projectile attacks on tankers and bulk carriers, sending oil prices soaring and testing a fragile ceasefire
A tanker was struck by unknown projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz late Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported, marking the second vessel attacked in the strategic waterway within roughly eight hours.
The incident occurred around 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The tanker’s master reported being hit by multiple projectiles. All crew members are safe, with no environmental damage or oil spill reported.
Earlier on Sunday, a northbound bulk carrier was attacked by multiple small craft approximately 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, Iran. That vessel’s crew was also reported safe.
The attacks come as the U.S. prepares to launch “Project Freedom” - an operation to escort commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, set to begin Monday.
President Trump announced the mission to help free stranded ships amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility, though such incidents in the region are often attributed to Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) activity.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global oil trade in normal times, but traffic has been severely disrupted by the blockade and retaliatory actions.
Oil prices jumped more than 4% following the reports, reflecting renewed concerns over shipping security in the Gulf.
UKMTO has urged all vessels in the area to transit with extreme caution and report any suspicious activity.