TEHRAN – Three ships were reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, March 1, 2026, amid ongoing retaliatory strikes by Iran against the United States and Israel. The incidents are raising concerns about the security of a vital global shipping lane and potential disruptions to energy markets.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British maritime security agency, stated that one vessel off the coast of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile above the waterline. “Initial reports indicated a fire in the engine room, however, This proves now reported that the fire is under control,” UKMTO said in a statement.
Read also: Russia Stands to Benefit Most in Asian Oil Market as Strait of Hormuz Closes
A separate incident involved another ship that was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire. “The fire has been extinguished and the vessel will continue its voyage,” UKMTO added.
Private maritime security firm Vanguard Tech identified the second vessel as a tanker located approximately 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr, in the United Arab Emirates.
Further reports from UKMTO indicated that another projectile exploded close to a third ship roughly 35 nautical miles west of the city of Sharjah, UAE.
UKMTO confirmed that all crew members on board the vessels are safe and accounted for. “All crew are safe and well,” the agency stated.
Read also: Why the Strait of Hormuz off the Coast of Iran is So Crucial?
Iran Reports One Vessel Sunk
On the same day, Iranian state television reported that an oil tanker had sunk after being hit whereas transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
“The fate of the oil tanker that violated the rules and was shot while attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz is that the vessel has now sunk,” state television reported, without providing further details about the ship’s identity or the origin of the gunfire.
The station aired footage of thick black smoke billowing from a burning tanker in the waters.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway for global energy trade. Approximately 25 percent of the world’s oil supply and 20 percent of liquefied natural gas passes through these waters. The incidents underscore the increasing instability in the region and the potential for wider conflict.
On the previous day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had closed the waterway and warned that the area was unsafe due to US and Israeli airstrikes.
Read also: Tanker Sinks After Being Shot at Following Attempt to Breach Strait of Hormuz, Iran
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