Oil Tanker Hit by Unknown Shell in Strait of Hormuz

The UK Maritime Trade Operations authority said today Friday that a tanker was attacked by an "unknown shell" in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a fire that was later extinguished.

The authority noted that the ship's crew was safe, with no immediate indications of environmental damage.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the report, nor did Iran claim responsibility for the incident at the time.

The authority also stated that another tanker was hit by an "unknown shell" two days earlier on Wednesday while passing through the strait, and its crew was reported safe; the reason for the delay in releasing the report remains unclear.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television, quoting the Revolutionary Guard, reported that Tehran announced it had targeted an oil tanker flying the flag of Togo named "Trend," due to what it described as an "illegal attempt" to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters was unable to confirm the report immediately.

The broadcast added that the Revolutionary Guard Navy warned that any unauthorized passage through the strait would lead to the "destruction" of offending vessels.

Iran has maintained control over the waterway since the United States and Israel launched their war on February 28.

Earlier that night, the UK Maritime Trade Operations authority reported an "security incident" involving a vessel located 16 nautical miles northeast of the Omani city of Qalhat, situated on the opposite side of the strait.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations authority said the crew was fine and no environmental impact was reported.

It remains unclear whether the UK Maritime Trade Operations report refers to the attack announced by Iran.