Published June 25th, 2026 - 03:53 GMT
Highlights
The incident comes hours after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned shipping companies against using newly designated southern transit routes promoted by Oman and supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
ALBAWABA- A cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman on Thursday, raising fresh concerns over maritime security near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid growing tensions over regional shipping routes.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel was hit on its starboard side approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman. The impact damaged the ship’s bridge, but no injuries or environmental damage were reported.According to the vessel’s master, the ship remained operational following the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation, while UKMTO advised vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution and immediately report any suspicious activity.The incident comes hours after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned shipping companies against using newly designated southern transit routes promoted by Oman and supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The routes run parallel to Oman’s coastline and were introduced to facilitate safer navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an incident 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman, after a cargo vessel was struck on its starboard side by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the ship's bridge.According to the vessel's master,… pic.twitter.com/FI19rP8r4q— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) June 25, 2026 Iran has rejected the alternative corridors, insisting that vessels should continue to use approved northern routes that pass through waters under Iranian oversight. The IRGC described the Omani-backed routes as “unacceptable and highly dangerous” and warned that ships transiting without coordination could face consequences.The dispute has already affected maritime traffic. Reports indicate that at least three vessels, including two oil tankers, turned back while attempting to navigate the strait via the route running parallel to the Omani coast.In a sign of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Iran’s foreign minister held talks with his Omani counterpart, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions on managing navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz.The waterway remains one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Recent months have seen a series of warnings, route disputes, and security incidents linked to competing Iranian and Omani positions over maritime transit corridors.The latest attack underscores the continuing risks facing commercial shipping in the region, despite efforts to ease tensions through diplomatic engagement. Maritime authorities are closely monitoring developments as investigations into the projectile strike continue.
