Tensions are once again mounting in the Strait of Hormuz after a third tanker was attacked last week, while US forces launched strikes against Iranian mine-laying equipment on Larak Island.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile at 20:53 UTC on 29 August. The vessel was sailing inbound through the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 12 nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman. No casualties were reported, and the identity of the tanker was not disclosed.
The incident marks the third reported tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz in the space of a week.
On 25 August, the tanker Al Salam II was struck by an unidentified projectile, triggering a fire that was subsequently brought under control by the crew.
A day earlier, on 24 August, the Liberian-flagged Aframax Metro Venetian was hit while transiting the Omani route of the Strait of Hormuz. The incident caused a fire in the engine room and left the vessel disabled.
US launches first strike in more than a month
The maritime attacks were followed on Sunday, 30 August, by the first US strike against Iran in more than a month.
US forces targeted two launchers on Larak Island, located in the northern part of the Strait of Hormuz. Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, confirmed the action in statements reported by mainstream media.
US Central Command later said on social media platform X that its forces had taken “limited, precise action” against mine-laying forces belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), describing them as posing an imminent threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The development comes only days after US Central Command reported progress in mine-clearance operations.
On 27 August, Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command, said in a video message posted on social media that US forces had successfully completed mine clearance operations in the Strait and that the lanes of the internationally recognised traffic separation scheme (TSS) were free of sea mines.
Mine threat remains a concern for commercial shipping
Despite the US announcement, maritime authorities continue to warn commercial operators about the potential presence of mines.
In its 30 August update, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said that a continued risk remained from drifting or uncharted mines in and around the TSS. Mine danger areas also remained active, according to the maritime information centre.
The conflicting assessments underline the continued uncertainty facing commercial shipping operating through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.
Meanwhile, the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
Since the blockade was restarted on 14 July, US Central Command says its forces have disabled three commercial vessels, boarded two others and redirected 83 ships.
