A British maritime agency reported on Monday that unidentified projectiles have struck a tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to Arab News.
The attack came as the United States unveiled plans to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amid mounting regional tensions.
“A tanker has reported being hit by unknown projectiles,” the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, noting that all crew members were safe.
The agency said that the incident took place roughly 78 nautical miles north of the UAE port city of Fujairah.
At the same time, it urged vessels transiting the area to proceed “with caution” as investigations into the incident continue.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The adversaries remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran tightens its control over maritime traffic while the United States continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that the United States would begin escorting commercial vessels through the strait starting Monday.
To this end, the US Central Command said it would deploy guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned systems, as well as 15,000 service members as part of the operation.
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Turkey Open to Join Hormuz Demining Operations after Iran-US Deal
Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz, Demands End to US Blockade
Trump Pledges Aid for Strait of Hormuz Traffic Following Iran Truce
