Commercial vessels struck in the Strait of Hormuz

On the night of July 6, 2026, multiple commercial vessels, including the Qatari LNG carrier Al Rekayyat, were struck by projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident occurred approximately 8 nautical miles east of Limah, Oman. Reports from U.S. officials cited by Axios suggest that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at least two missiles, causing significant damage to two ships. One vessel caught fire after being hit on its port side, though the crew reportedly remained safe with no environmental damage recorded. This incident follows a period of heightened regional tensions since the conflict began on February 28, 2026. While a June 17 memorandum aimed to secure passage, Iran has challenged the stability of the current maritime status quo. Shipping activity in this vital waterway, which handles nearly 20% of global oil consumption, remains precarious.