The diversions come after a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were damaged near the strait on Tuesday following reports that Iran fired missiles at ships in the waterway, prompting maritime authorities to raise the threat risk for transiting vessels to "severe."

Oil and gas tankers navigate the Oman-side route in Hormuz after U-turns, amid rising tensions and shipping risks.

Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.