Iran fires on commercial ships traveling through Strait of Hormuz, US official says - report

Iran fired at least two missiles targeting commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official reported early Tuesday morning, according to Axios.

The attack resulted in significant damage to both vessels, though initial reports indicate no casualties. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency confirmed that a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately eight nautical miles east of Oman's Limah, which ignited a fire.

“

Our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you.

This incident follows recent warnings from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to ships. The IRGC reportedly instructed vessels to adhere to Iranian-designated routes instead of those near the Omani coast, with threats that "Our missiles and drones are ready to fire at you," according to The Wall Street Journal.

One of the damaged ships is believed to be Al Rekayyat, a Qatari gas tanker. A recording shared with The Wall Street Journal captured a crew member reporting being hit on the port side, near the engine room, stating, "Engine room fire and full of smoke. Unable to assess further damage. All crew are safe and mustered on the starboard side."

“

Engine room fire and full of smoke. Unable to assess further damage. All crew are safe and mustered on the starboard side.