On July 7, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz witnessed significant attacks on commercial vessels, impacting ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a tanker caught fire after being struck by an "unknown projectile" off the coast of Oman. These incidents come as sensitive talks aimed at ending a prolonged conflict continue.
Details of the Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
Reports indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missiles at two commercial ships in the strait, causing substantial damage but fortunately no casualties. One vessel, identified as the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat, was reportedly struck while carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship sent out distress signals following the attack, with concerns over a potential explosion due to a fire in its engine room.
Another vessel, a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, was also damaged in the missile strikes. Analysts suggest that the attacks may have been motivated by the ships' proximity to areas where Iranian teams were conducting mine-clearing operations.
Current Status of Shipping in the Strait
Despite the recent attacks, data from Kpler shows that shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has displayed resilience, with 108 verified crossings over the weekend. Before the conflict, 120-140 vessels passed through the strait daily, transporting approximately 20 million barrels of oil. However, during the height of hostilities, traffic dwindled to as few as two tankers per day.
