An incident involving a vessel being struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, following a series of merchant ships turning back while attempting to traverse this critical waterway, threatens to disrupt prospects for its swift reopening.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the unidentified cargo ship was hit on its side while sailing southeast of Oman, sustaining damage to its bridge. The UKMTO, which coordinates communication between commercial shipping and military forces, advised vessels to "transit with caution."
Oil prices moved higher following the incident, with Brent crude reaching an intraday high above $75 per barrel. This came after media reports indicated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had targeted a Singapore-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
However, a White House official stated it was premature to definitively attribute responsibility for the attack. The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal discussions, noted that U.S. authorities are investigating the responsible party. This includes examining whether the action was ordered by senior leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or was undertaken independently by personnel on the ground. The official added that the attack resulted in no fatalities or environmental damage, and the targeted vessel remained capable of continuing its voyage.
Iran's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
If it is ultimately confirmed that Iran was behind the incident—which the UKMTO has already classified as an attack—it would undermine the fragile confidence among shipowners and crews regarding the safety of transiting the Strait of Hormuz again. Iran has repeatedly stated that vessels may not pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Earlier on Thursday, several oil tankers turned back after reportedly hearing warnings from the Iranian navy advising against passage.
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) stated on Thursday that any transit conducted outside the framework of routes designated by the Iranian PGSA does not qualify for insurance coverage or protection from "relevant liabilities."
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