Strait of Hormuz Oil Tankers Attacked Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as two oil tankers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that the vessels were struck by 'unidentified projectiles' on Friday.

The incidents occurred despite a previous agreement between the US and Iran to de-escalate their conflict, which had seen Washington impose counterblockades on Iranian ports. This is the latest threat to shipping in the waterway, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil and LNG.

The first tanker was able to extinguish a small fire caused by the attack and resume its journey. The second vessel reported no environmental damage or casualties after being struck east of Oman.