A tanker carrying Qatari oil was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, prompting maritime authorities to raise the security threat level in one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes amid renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran.The attack comes after Washington and Tehran exchanged strikes in the worst flare-up since signing an interim peace agreement two weeks ago, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.Tanker damaged in Strait of HormuzBritain's UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.The agency said the vessel sustained damage to its bridge but all crew members were safe and there was no environmental pollution.Shipping analytics firm Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as a fully laden supertanker, while Kpler data showed it was transporting crude oil loaded in Qatar.The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), which coordinates between naval forces and commercial shipping, raised its regional maritime threat level to "substantial" following the latest attacks.Second commercial ship attacked this weekSaturday's incident marks the second attack on a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz this week.On Thursday, the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely was struck in the same waterway, prompting the United States to launch retaliatory strikes against Iranian drone storage facilities and coastal radar sites.Iran later announced retaliatory attacks on targets linked to US forces, further escalating tensions.US, Iran accuse each other of violating peace dealThe renewed violence follows accusations from both Washington and Tehran that the other side breached the interim memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month to halt four months of conflict.The United States said it carried out overnight strikes on Iranian military targets after Tehran allegedly attacked commercial shipping.Iran said its attacks were defensive and accused Washington of failing to uphold commitments under the agreement, particularly regarding efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Lebanon.Iranian state television reported that the Revolutionary Guards fired "warning shots" at vessels using shipping lanes not approved by Tehran, adding that some ships were now seeking Iranian permission before transiting the Strait of Hormuz.Iran tightens control over shipping lanesIran has reiterated that vessels should use designated Iranian-controlled transit routes instead of alternative lanes promoted by Western naval forces.Earlier this week, some commercial ships reportedly turned around after receiving radio warnings instructing them not to cross outside Iran's approved routes.Iranian parliamentary national security committee chairman Ebrahim Azizi warned that any ship violating Tehran's navigation instructions would face a decisive response.The United States has encouraged vessels to use a southern shipping corridor near Oman, while Iran has sought to direct maritime traffic through northern routes under its control and has indicated it intends to eventually levy transit fees.Mine threat raises shipping risksThe JMIC also expanded the recommended Omani shipping corridor to allow simultaneous two-way traffic and issued a warning covering large sections of the traditional Strait of Hormuz transit route because of potential sea mines.The International Maritime Organization (IMO) warned on Friday that around 80 naval mines could have been laid in the strait.Under the interim agreement, Iran is responsible for clearing any mines from the waterway, although it remains unclear how much progress has been made.Lebanon tensions add to regional uncertaintyIran has also accused the United States of failing to enforce a promised ceasefire in Lebanon.Although Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered framework agreement on Friday, fighting has continued.Lebanese state media reported
Three Indian seafarers were confirmed dead after a US strike on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello near Oman. For more information on US attack and repatriation of survivors read here.Screengrab of video shared by CENTCOM of Palau-flagged vessel 'MT Settebello' moments before US strike on 9 June.A total of 3 Indian seafarers have been confirmed dead in second US attack on vessel sailing near Oman coast. India's Shipping and Waterways Minister announced the tragic news on Thursday in a social media post. He confirmed that all three seafarers were onboard Palau-flagged MT Settebello.Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a post on X stated, “It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered.”Expressing condolences to the families of the bereaved, he added, “I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites.”Embassy of India in Oman reacted to this development and in a statement said, "We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details."The development about seafarers' death comes after the US Central Command on Wednesday claimed that American forces attacked another oil tanker sailing in the Gulf of Oman. The first attack on a Palau-flagged tanker took place on 8 June and the second on the subsequent day.Following the latest strike on Palau-flagged vessel, US Central Command in a post on X stated, “At 11:14 p.m. on June 9, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.”The statement added, “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces.”Till now, US forces have struck eight vessels, all of which were alleged to be non-compliant. CENTCOM also redirected 134 ships and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on 13 April.
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