Supertankers carrying Saudi oil hit by unknown projectiles in Strait of Hormuz

Two giant oil tankers loaded with Saudi crude were hit by unknown projectiles within minutes of each other while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler.

The Saudi-flagged Sidr was struck about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, at about 7:52 p.m. UTC, Marisks said. Minutes later, the Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity was reportedly hit by three projectiles about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab. All crew members were reported safe.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported three projectiles hitting a tanker in the same area as it sailed out of the strait, apparently referring to the same incident. The operators of both ships did not immediately comment.

Kpler data showed that each tanker had loaded 2 million barrels of Saudi crude at the Juaymah terminal the previous week. Saudi Aramco resumed oil loadings and sales from inside the strait in August, as shipping through the waterway remained constrained.

The incidents took place amid Iranian and US blockades that have sharply reduced Gulf energy exports. Mediation efforts by Qatar and Oman to reopen the strait have so far produced no agreement. Oil prices rose on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump threatened further strikes against Iran.

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The near-simultaneous incidents represent a further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor.