Two supertankers carrying Saudi oil were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, maritime analysts reported, an incident that has led to a spike in crude oil prices. The near-simultaneous attacks occurred as the vessels were attempting to navigate the critical waterway near the Omani coast.
The Saudi Arabian-flagged VLCC Sidr was the first tanker hit, followed minutes later by the Liberian-flagged VLCC Senegal Prosperity. Both vessels were carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil from the Juaymah terminal. All crew members aboard were reported to be safe.
Maritime tracking firms Kpler and Marist warned that the incidents represent a "further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor." Ships have been transiting the Strait of Hormuz under American escorts, traveling close to the Omani coast, a practice that Iran has opposed and has previously led to missile and drone attacks on vessels.
The attacks caused international benchmark Brent crude contracts to increase by more than 2%, reaching $92 a barrel on Tuesday.
In parallel, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, indicated Tehran's willingness to return to negotiations with the United States. Pezeshkian stated that Iran would "immediately take reciprocal action" if the U.S. agreed to resume the terms of a memorandum of understanding from June. However, former President Trump has previously rejected revisiting that agreement, opting instead to impose economic pressure on Iran.
Reports indicate that the U.S. has warned of a strong response to Iran's latest actions in the Strait of Hormuz and against U.S. allies in the region.