Tanker struck by projectile in Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran escalation

A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, sustaining damage to its bridge, though all crew members were reported safe. Britain's maritime security agency, UKMTO, confirmed the incident, which adds to a recent spike in maritime attacks in the critical waterway.

The attack occurred during a period of heightened tension between the United States and Iran, with both nations accusing each other of violating a peace agreement signed just two weeks prior. The US confirmed it conducted overnight strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran stated it had attacked US-linked targets in response.

This latest incident follows a similar attack on a cargo ship two days earlier, further intensifying concerns over the security of global energy supplies transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has been asserting increased control over the route, with its Revolutionary Guards reportedly firing warning shots at vessels attempting to use unapproved channels.

In parallel, Iran's foreign ministry claimed to have launched "defensive" attacks on US-linked military targets. Meanwhile, the US military has not immediately responded to these reports. The situation remains volatile as international bodies raise security threat levels in the region.