**Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Fire Missiles at Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz**
In a significant escalation of tensions in the region, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched at least two missiles at commercial ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, according to a report by Axios citing two U.S. officials. The attacks resulted in substantial damage to two vessels, though no casualties were reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage, through which approximately 20% of global oil consumption transits. The recent missile strikes underscore the ongoing risks to shipping in this vital waterway, especially amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.
In a related incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile east of Oman’s Limah early Tuesday morning. The UKMTO indicated that the tanker was traveling southbound when it was hit on the port side, approximately eight nautical miles (15 km) east of Limah. Fortunately, there were no casualties or environmental damage reported from this incident.
While the Axios report detailed the missile strikes on commercial vessels, it remains unclear whether the tanker mentioned in the UKMTO advisory was among those targeted by the Revolutionary Guards. Efforts to confirm these details through Reuters were unsuccessful, and U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incidents.
The attacks come at a time when shipping routes in the region are under increased scrutiny. The backdrop includes ongoing tensions following U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, which have raised fears of further conflict. Despite an interim agreement that included provisions for safe passage, commercial vessels have continued to face threats.
Recent diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation have yielded little progress. Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran concluded last week without any substantial breakthroughs. This follows a 60-day ceasefire intended to facilitate diplomatic discussions in the wake of the U.S. and Israeli strikes that ignited the current hostilities.
Adding to the tension, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States would either negotiate a deal with Iran or "finish the job," reiterating the possibility of military action. This rhetoric coincides with Iran’s display of defiance following the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a concerning development, the Revolutionary Guards issued warnings to vessels via maritime radio over the weekend, stating that “our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you,” as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This declaration indicates a heightened state of readiness and a willingness to engage in further military actions against maritime targets.
One of the vessels reportedly attacked was identified as the Al Rekayyat, a liquefied natural gas tanker operated by Nakilat QGTS.QA, a company known for managing one of the largest LNG shipping fleets globally. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Al Rekayyat was struck on the port side, near the engine room, resulting in a fire and smoke. The crew was reported to be safe and gathered on the starboard side of the vessel, though further damage assessment was not immediately possible.
As the situation continues to unfold, investors are closely monitoring developments in U.S.-Iran relations, particularly regarding the implications for shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Gulf oil export recovery. The potential for further military action or diplomatic resolution remains uncertain, with each incident contributing to an already volatile environment in the region.