An oil tanker was attacked and disabled near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel sustained damage to its engine room and became inoperable in the waters off the coast of Oman, where ships navigate a U.S.-protected route.
No casualties were reported from the incident. While Iran has not immediately claimed responsibility, maritime analysts note that Tehran has repeatedly targeted vessels in the region in recent months, with at least half a dozen ships struck in recent weeks. Since the start of the conflict, approximately 68 attacks on shipping vessels have been reported in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 seafarers and injuries to 35 others.
Hours after the attack, Iran and Oman, both bordering the Strait of Hormuz, announced a proposal for a “temporary navigational corridor” intended to clear sea mines and ensure safe passage for ships. However, the announcement also referenced “the provision of relevant navigational and security services,” which Iran has used as code for establishing a toll system for passage through the vital waterway. The U.S. has stated that charging ships for passage through Hormuz, which once handled one-third of the world's oil, is unacceptable and contrary to international law.
The strike follows a warning from Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh, who stated that the regime would take the offensive against its enemies after the U.S. intensified economic pressures on Tehran. "Our enemies want to launch an economic terrorist attack against us," state news agency IRNA quoted Madanizadeh. "This time, they should not think that our approach will be defensive and that we will only defend ourselves. They should also expect an attack from us."
Iran has also blacklisted 45 tankers that it claims have violated its protocols while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines or cargo confiscation. It remains unclear if the attacked vessel was among those blacklisted.
The U.S. Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, has initiated "Operation Economic Outcast" aimed at further isolating Iran. This operation seeks to pressure secondary countries into cutting off trade with Iran, whose economy is already strained by Western sanctions and high inflation.
Iran, conversely, appears to be betting on its ability to withstand economic pressure and potentially influence the U.S. administration through rising oil prices attributed to the conflict and uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz.