Fresh Attack in Strait of Hormuz: Cargo Ship Struck by Projectile Near Omani Coast, UKMTO Issues Alert

Attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz show no sign of abating, with a cargo ship reportedly struck by a projectile approximately 20 nautical miles north-east of Khasab, Oman.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has confirmed the incident, stating that relevant authorities are investigating the matter. Detailed information about the attack has not yet been made public. UKMTO has urged all vessels transiting the region to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity without delay.

Trump: "Strait of Hormuz Under Our Control"

News of the attack emerged just as US President Donald Trump claimed that the Strait of Hormuz was under American control, asserting that no vessel could pass through without US Navy clearance. Speaking from the Oval Office, the President said talks aimed at reopening the strait would begin within the next day or two.

Iran-Oman Talks Continue Over Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said negotiations with Oman regarding the strait were ongoing, with some progress made on temporary transit arrangements. However, he clarified that an agreement with Oman alone would not be sufficient to reopen the strait, adding that as long as US "aggressive action" continued, the present situation would remain unchanged.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters Globally

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest maritime trade corridors, carrying roughly 20 per cent of global seaborne crude oil and natural gas trade. Bordered by Iran to the north and Oman and the UAE to the south, the passage connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It measures around 50 kilometres wide at its entry and exit points, narrowing to approximately 33 kilometres at its narrowest stretch.

Around 3,000 vessels typically pass through the strait each month, though traffic has declined markedly since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026.