Tanker Damaged by Projectile in Strait of Hormuz; Five Indians Rescued

A tanker was damaged after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile, causing damage to its engine room.

Five Indian citizens were rescued after the Kuwait-flagged tanker was hit. The crew was safe, and no environmental impact had been reported at the time the UKMTO notice was issued. MenchOsint also stated that two Kuwaiti tankers, Al FUNTAS and KAZIMAH III, and three United Arab Emirates vessels, SINBAD, MERSIN PROSPERITY, and AL RUWAIS, were struck in the strait over the previous four days.

Iraq's state oil company, the Iraqi Oil Tankers Company (IOTC), successfully transited two million barrels of crude oil aboard a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) past the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first time in decades the IOTC has conducted independent crude transportation beyond the strategic maritime chokepoint. The move aims to shift part of Iraq's oil exports away from traditional Basra port delivery to points beyond the Gulf, offering better sale and pricing opportunities.

Iraq depends on oil for at least 90 percent of its revenue. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed by Iran since the US-Iran war broke out in February, disrupting shipping with missile and drone attacks, insurance surges, and naval confrontations. Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States.

The Fars news agency reported that the IRGC Navy targeted tankers despite US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that the Strait of Hormuz is open and under his country's control.