Gas Tanker Hit by Unknown Projectile in the Strait of Hormuz

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Wednesday that it received a notification about a liquefied natural gas tanker being struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.

The agency stated in a statement that a reliable source reported the tanker was hit by an unknown projectile on Tuesday, while authorities have begun their investigations to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify the nature and source of the projectile.

The British agency urged vessels passing through the area to exercise caution while transiting and to report any suspicious activities. No party has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.

This comes after Iranian authorities warned ship owners against allowing their vessels to be forced to navigate "through unapproved routes," as the Iranian Strait of Hormuz Management Authority considered this could "expose ships, their owners, captains, and crews to material and human losses, in addition to imposing restrictions on their future passage through the Strait of Hormuz."

The agency stated that "reports have been received regarding some charterers forcing ships to use unapproved routes... If charterers are found to be in violation, the concerned companies will be added to the non-compliance list, and restrictions will be imposed on the passage of all their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz."

It is noteworthy that the Strait of Hormuz has become a major axis in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, as the freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway has become directly linked to the course of war and negotiations.

It is pointed out that the United States insists that Iran should not control the waterways leading to the Strait of Hormuz, including the passages that go through Omani territory, or impose transit fees on the ships that use them. In contrast, Iran demands that ships obtain permission and follow a navigational route that is agreed upon.