DUBAI — A cargo ship was struck by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), in an incident that heightened security concerns as conflicting U.S. and Iranian statements clouded the status of diplomatic efforts over the strategic waterway.
UKMTO said the vessel was hit while transiting near the Omani coast, causing damage and a fire on board. Maritime authorities said the crew was responding to the incident, while initial reports indicated there was no immediate confirmation of casualties. The agency did not identify the vessel or attribute responsibility for the strike.
The incident occurred amid renewed uncertainty over whether Washington and Tehran are engaged in negotiations aimed at easing tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said talks with Iran were underway, while Iranian officials have denied direct negotiations with Washington. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was engaged in discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz but rejected suggestions of broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The attack prompted renewed concern over maritime security in one of the world's busiest energy shipping corridors. Oil prices recovered after earlier losses as traders assessed the implications of the latest incident and the uncertain diplomatic outlook.
Authorities have not publicly identified the source of the projectile, and no government had formally claimed responsibility as of publication. Maritime security agencies continued to monitor the situation, while further details on the extent of the damage and the vessel's operational status remained under verification.
