A liquefied natural gas tanker caught fire early Tuesday after a projectile struck its port side while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz near Limah, Oman. British military officials said the vessel was heading toward the Gulf of Oman when the attack happened, while authorities confirmed there was no environmental damage and launched an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that the tanker ignored official warnings before entering the waterway and suggested it was carrying natural gas from Qatar. However, Tehran did not officially claim responsibility for the strike, even though Iran has repeatedly insisted that ships should only use routes approved by its military through the strategic strait.
Read more : France keeps Hormuz security role despite carrier return: Macron
The latest attack comes as tensions remain high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States. Washington wants to fully reopen the vital shipping route, curb Iran’s disputed nuclear programme and secure a lasting end to the conflict that began on February 28. However, negotiations have reportedly paused until funeral ceremonies for martyred Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei conclude later this week.
Earlier, Iran’s military warned that oil tankers must follow its designated routes and cautioned that any interference by US forces would receive a swift response. Although both countries previously agreed to allow ships safe passage for 60 days, disagreements over Iran’s demand to regulate routes and impose transit fees continue to fuel uncertainty across one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
Read more : Iran Says It Will Not Allow US Interference in the Strait of Hormuz
At the same time, hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in the holy city of Qom to pay tribute to martyred Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before his burial in Mashhad. State television showed large crowds carrying portraits of Khamenei and his son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is expected to succeed him. Authorities have closed roads and airspace for several days as nationwide mourning ceremonies continue amid heightened regional tensions.