A tanker has been struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the continuing threat to commercial shipping as efforts to reopen the strategic waterway gather pace. UK Maritime Trade Operations issued Warning 121-26 after the vessel, identified by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) as AL SALAM II, was hit near Khasab, Oman, at about 1730 UTC on Tuesday.
The eastbound tanker was struck just above the waterline, causing a small breach and a fire that was quickly extinguished by its crew. All crew members were reported safe, with no environmental damage recorded. The vessel later anchored near Jazirat Tawakkul as tug assistance was arranged.
The incident came as US President Donald Trump declared “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 2026” in Iran, while also claiming that the US Navy had removed or detonated all mines from international waters in the Strait of Hormuz. JMIC, however, warned that the maritime threat remains elevated, with drifting and uncharted mines still posing a risk inside and around the Strait’s traffic separation scheme.
Mine-surveying and clearance operations are continuing. The attack also threatens efforts by Iran and Oman to restore safe passage through the waterway. The two countries have agreed on a phased plan to establish a temporary joint navigation corridor and conduct mine-clearance operations, while negotiating a permanent framework for navigation, traffic management and maritime security.
Qatar has also joined the diplomatic push, discussing the proposed corridor with Iran on Thursday as regional governments seek to revive shipping through a waterway critical to global energy and trade. However, traffic through the Strait remains sharply below normal levels.
JMIC said the Strait averaged about 138 vessel transits a day in 2025, while US data recorded only 37 US-facilitated transits on 25 and 26 August.