The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said a tanker came under attack on Thursday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz after it was hit by an unknown projectile that caused a fire to break out. The agency confirmed that the crew members were safe, in the latest incident in a series of attacks targeting ships in the waterway since the conflict began.
A tanker was hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire
The importance of the Strait of Hormuz to energy supplies
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for energy supplies, with about one-fifth of global supplies passing through it before the war. The strait became central to the conflict that began in late February, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Since then, Iran has hindered maritime traffic through the strait and fired on ships it accuses of using unauthorised routes.
In response, Washington has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, increasing pressure on shipping in the region. The region has experienced relative calm on the ground in recent weeks, as the United States has not carried out any strikes against Iran since 1 September.
Nevertheless, ships have continued to be targeted repeatedly in the Strait of Hormuz, and the tanker’s being hit by the unknown projectile was among these ongoing incidents in the waterway.
