Iran fires missiles at commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz; US weighs retaliatory strikes
Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly fired missiles at two commercial ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, damaging both vessels and prompting the United States to assess possible retaliatory military action.
According to US officials cited by multiple international media reports, at least two missiles were launched at merchant vessels on Monday night. While the ships sustained significant damage, no casualties or environmental impact were reported. One of the affected vessels is believed to be the Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat, which reportedly suffered an engine room fire after being struck near the coast of Oman.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that a tanker travelling about eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman, was hit by an unidentified projectile, triggering a fire that was later brought under control. All crew members were reported safe.
US officials said Washington is evaluating options for a response, with reports suggesting military strikes against Iranian assets are under consideration if the attacks are confirmed. The US Central Command has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
The latest escalation comes just weeks after a temporary understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at reducing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass. Renewed hostilities have raised fresh concerns over energy security and global shipping.
The incident also coincides with a pause in indirect US-Iran negotiations and follows heightened regional tensions after recent military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Analysts warn that any further escalation could disrupt global energy markets and increase instability across the Gulf region.
