Tanker struck by projectiles in the Persian Gulf region

On November 2, 2026, a tanker was struck by projectiles, triggering a security alert from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). While initial reports from the Elemesos source placed the incident 72 nautical miles east of Saudi Arabia with two projectiles hitting the left side, the Sigma Live source reported the strike occurred on Sunday near Lima, Oman, resulting in damage to the right side of the vessel. Both sources confirm that the crew remains safe, the ship is stable, and no environmental hazards have been reported at this time.

This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf following the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026. The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of this regional crisis, with Iran effectively restricting passage for unauthorized vessels and the United States imposing a blockade on Iranian ports. Before the conflict, the strait served as a vital transit route for approximately 20% of the world's global hydrocarbon supply. Tehran has recently signaled a potential readiness to reopen the waterway, provided that Washington meets specific conditions amid ongoing threats of further military action.