Reports claimed Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired missiles at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night. However, officials have not independently verified the reported attacks.
According to Axios, citing two US officials, at least two missiles struck commercial vessels. The report said both ships suffered significant damage without causing casualties.
Meanwhile, Reuters said it could not independently verify the Axios report. US Central Command also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tanker Fire Raises Maritime Security Concerns
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a tanker caught fire early Tuesday. The agency said an unknown projectile struck the vessel east of Oman’s Limah.
According to the advisory, the projectile hit the tanker’s port side while it traveled southbound. Consequently, a fire broke out, although no casualties or environmental damage were reported.
Reuters could not confirm whether the damaged tanker matched either vessel mentioned in the Axios report. Therefore, uncertainty remains regarding the incidents.
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
The reported attacks have renewed concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Around one-fifth of global oil consumption passes through the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, indirect US-Iran talks ended last week without visible progress toward a lasting agreement. The discussions followed a 60-day ceasefire aimed at creating space for diplomacy.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump warned Washington would either secure a deal with Iran or “finish the job.” Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported the Revolutionary Guards warned ships that their missiles and drones were ready to strike.
The newspaper also reported that the LNG tanker Al Rekayyat may have been among the vessels attacked. However, the company had not commented at the time of reporting.
