Deadly fighting between Israel and Iran has spread to the world's most critical oil shipping route, with multiple commercial vessels coming under fire near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. The attacks open a perilous new maritime front in the escalating conflict and threaten global energy supplies.
The Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight (IMO 9330020) was targeted a few miles north of Khasab port in Oman, according to the Omani Maritime Security Center. The crew of 20 was evacuated and at least four people were injured in the incident, with rescue operations carried out by Omani authorities.
This marks the first ship attack since the US and Israel began a strike campaign against Iran on Saturday morning. Tehran has retaliated with missiles and drones across the Middle East.
Multiple Incidents Reported
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy organisation, reported at least two additional attacks off the coast of Oman on Sunday, where two vessels were struck by an "unknown projectile." No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
However, the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned what it called "brutal Iranian attacks" targeting Duqm port in Oman and an oil tanker off its coast. The US Treasury Department had previously sanctioned the Skylight and more than two dozen other "shadow fleet vessels" in December 2023 for illegally moving Iranian oil.
Strait of Hormuz: A Global Chokepoint
The incidents underscore a severe new risk to shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow body of water between Iran and Oman is one of the world's most vital trade arteries, with approximately 20% of the global daily oil supply passing through it.
On Saturday, an official with Operation Aspides—the European Union's counter-Houthi mission—said ships had received radio transmissions from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stating vessels were barred from entering the strait. The UKMTO later clarified that "no official closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been formally communicated to the maritime industry through recognized maritime safety channels."
Shipping Disrupted and Warnings Issued
The UKMTO stated the maritime safety situation remains "highly volatile," with ongoing fighting creating an "elevated threat to commercial shipping." It warned vessels could face military miscalculation and electronic interference.
In response, some international shipping companies have suspended transits through the region until further notice. Marine traffic trackers showed a significant drop in vessel traffic through the strait following the commencement of US and Israeli strikes on Saturday.
Iran has a history of carrying out attacks against ships near the Strait of Hormuz, including with its Shahed one-way attack drones. A full blockade or a sufficiently dangerous environment to deter shipping could send global oil prices soaring.