Hormuz Tensions Escalate as Three Tankers Are Struck

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. A crude oil tanker and two other vessels were struck by an unknown projectile, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO).

The UKMTO initially described one of the vessels as an LNG tanker but later corrected it to a tanker.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping lane through which around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Since the conflict broke out, Tehran has been blocking the passage of commercial ships, firing on vessels it accuses of unauthorized crossings. Washington has responded with a counter blockade of Iranian ports to prevent Tehran from exporting its oil.