British military: Three tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz

Three oil tankers sustained missile strikes in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the British military reported, escalating tensions in a vital waterway for global energy supplies. The attacks threaten to choke off traffic in the strait, just as nations hoped for a return to normal shipping and a lessening of the economic burden from the U.S.-Iran war.

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The targeting of the Qatari tanker Al Rekajat in the strait was an 'unacceptable attack' on international navigation and global energy security.

One tanker, sailing near Oman's coast, was hit and caught fire, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Iran's state television reported a liquefied natural gas tanker was attacked after ignoring warnings, but did not claim responsibility. The UKMTO stated the tanker was hit near Lima, Oman, with no environmental impact, and authorities are investigating.

Two other tankers were also hit and damaged, though no injuries were reported. At least one vessel continued its journey. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari called the targeting of the Qatari tanker Al Rekajat an "unacceptable attack" on international shipping and global energy security. He declared it a "serious and explicit violation" of international law and stated Qatar "holds Iran fully legally responsible" for the attack.

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It was a serious and explicit violation of international law.

Previously, Iran's joint military command warned that all oil tankers must use its approved routes through the strait. Tehran is suspected of attacking other ships that used different routes. Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz handled one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas trade. Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. await the end of the funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed Feb. 28.

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Qatar holds Iran fully legally responsible for the attack.