Oil Tanker Hit By Unknown Projectile Catches Fire Off Oman Escalating U.S-Iran Conflict

An oil tanker was hit by a projectile in the Hormuz Strait off Oman, according to the British maritime authority, heightening tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that it was travelling southbound near Limah, Oman, when it was hit on its port side, leading to an onboard fire.

Fortunately, there were no casualties or environmental damage, though the agency urged ships in the region to remain alert and updated.

U.S Navy officials accused Iran of firing missiles at the commercial vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed attacks come a week after an interim deal was signed between Washington and Tehran to halt attacks and negotiate a final agreement to end hostilities in the Gulf.

However, the attacks on commercial ships highlight that peace is far.

U.S wants Iran to give up the idea of charging a service fee or transit tolls from ships crossing the Hormuz, while Iran considers it a natural right to manage the waterway with Oman.

The temporary pause on attacks also coincided with 6-day state funeral ceremonies for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, whose body was moved from Tehran to the holy city of Qom on Monday during a massive funeral procession attended by millions of people.

According to sources, the U.S might renew military action against Iran since the attacks on ships occurred despite the ceasefire deal and opening of diplomatic efforts.

Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in Doha last week ended without progress on the future of shipping through Hormuz.

Iran has warned that shipping in the strait will not return to pre-war arrangements and warned ships against using routes not authorised by the Islamic Republic.