A cargo vessel sustained damage on Thursday after being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. EST, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, which issued a warning to other vessels navigating the waterway.
The vessel was hit on its starboard side, causing damage to the bridge. The exact nature of the projectile and the responsible party have not been immediately identified.
The strike followed reports that Iran had ordered at least four tankers to turn back from the Strait of Hormuz. These tankers had been navigating the Persian Gulf for over 100 days before encountering the directive, the Financial Times reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically significant waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply flows. It remains unclear whether this incident signals a broader attempt to restrict or close traffic in the region.