Two incidents involving tankers have been reported off the coast of Oman, coinciding with escalating tensions in the Gulf waters. Maritime authorities are advising vessels to proceed with caution. The developments arise as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz experiences a significant decline amid the ongoing Iran-US standoff, with operators meticulously observing security risks across one of the globe’s most vital energy corridors. A tanker reported observing a significant splash succeeded by an explosion in proximity to the vessel, approximately 21 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The vessel’s master indicated that there was no damage to the tanker at the time of the incident. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosion. UKMTO advised vessels operating in the region to exercise caution and report any unusual activity.

In a distinct occurrence, a tanker was impacted by an unidentified projectile approximately 11 nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman, as reported. The strike inflicted damage on the vessel’s engine room, rendering it incapable of manoeuvring. Regional coast guard authorities were informed, and an inquiry was initiated. No casualties or environmental impact were reported. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has declined significantly in light of the persistent regional tensions. Ship-tracking data from Kpler indicated that traffic through the strategic waterway experienced a significant decline of 77 percent on Thursday, decreasing from 22 vessels the previous day to just five. The decline occurs as Iran’s Supreme National Security Council cautioned that it would intensify its stated closure of the Strait of Hormuz in reaction to a US blockade on shipping associated with Iranian ports.

Iran has asserted that the waterway is closed, whereas the US Central Command has dismissed this assertion, stating that the strait continues to be accessible for commercial vessels. The US Central Command reported the rerouting of 30 commercial vessels, the disabling of two ships, and the boarding of two others as part of its enforcement of the naval blockade on Iranian ports. CENTCOM indicated that the measures were initiated in mid-July in response to assaults on commercial shipping and interruptions to navigation within the Strait of Hormuz. The US military announced that certain vessels transporting humanitarian assistance have been permitted to navigate through the blockade zone. The recent maritime incidents occur as the US considers additional strikes on Iran.

US officials indicated that Washington is gearing up for a potential new wave of strikes as soon as this weekend, though the specifics regarding the scope and targets remain ambiguous. President Donald Trump earlier indicated that military operations might persist, asserting that the US would be “hitting them very hard.” Shipping operators are closely observing the evolving situation in Gulf waters, as authorities emphasise the importance of vigilance among vessels and the necessity to report any unusual activities.