A tanker was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to Britain's maritime security agency, as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified despite their interim peace agreement.
The latest incident comes after both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the ceasefire signed two weeks ago, while Gulf states strongly condemned reported Iranian drone attacks on Bahrain.
Britain's UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said an oil tanker reported being hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the vessel's captain, the projectile caused minor damage to the upper section of the ship, including its bridge. All crew members were reported safe.
The attack followed Thursday's strike on a cargo ship in the strategic waterway, an incident that triggered the latest escalation between the United States and Iran.
The Joint Maritime Information Center, operated by a coalition of navies protecting commercial shipping, said it had raised its maritime security threat level following the recent incidents.
US, Iran trade accusations
The latest confrontation came after the United States and Iran each launched strikes following what has been described as the worst escalation since signing their interim peace agreement two weeks ago.
Washington said it carried out overnight strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran said it struck targets linked to US forces on Saturday in response. Iran has not directly commented on reports of attacks on commercial ships.
Also Read: Cargo vessel struck near Strait of Hormuz, reports UKMTO
However, Iranian state television reported that the Revolutionary Guards fired "warning shots" at unspecified vessels attempting to use channels not approved by Iran.
According to the report, the warning prompted some ships to seek Iranian permits before attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says attacks were defensive
Earlier on Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry said it launched what it described as "defensive" attacks on military targets linked to the United States.
Iranian state television also reported that the Revolutionary Guards delivered what it called "a decisive response" after US forces allegedly struck a communications tower in the port city of Sirik.
Also Read: Trump accuses Iran of violating ceasefire after drone attack on cargo ship
Meanwhile, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that Sirik Port remained fully operational, with no damage to facilities or equipment.
Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, accused the United States of violating the war-ending memorandum of understanding by backing proxy forces in the region and creating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee, warned that any violation of Iran's shipping instructions would receive a decisive response.
Bahrain reports Iranian drone attack
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as an Iranian drone attack on the kingdom on Saturday. The ministry said the attack undermined ongoing peace efforts and violated Bahrain's sovereignty.
It added that Bahrain reserves the full right to defend its sovereignty and national security.
Bahrain also stated that the reported attacks breached the memorandum of understanding intended to reduce regional tensions.
GCC, Kuwait and Qatar condemn attacks
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the reported Iranian attacks on Bahrain, calling them a violation of the country's sovereignty.
Kuwait's Foreign Ministry also denounced the alleged drone attacks, warning that continued hostilities could damage ongoing peace efforts.
The ministry said such actions threaten regional security and stability, while reaffirming Kuwait's full solidarity with Bahrain and support for its security measures.
Also Read: US strikes Iran in response to cargo ship attack
Qatar's Foreign Ministry likewise condemned the reported attacks, describing them as a violation of Bahrain's sovereignty.
Doha stressed that the progress achieved under the memorandum of understanding should be preserved and called for further measures to strengthen peace and security across the region.
Lebanon ceasefire remains fragile
Iran has accused the United States of failing to uphold the interim agreement, particularly by not ensuring a sustained ceasefire in Lebanon.
Although Israel and Lebanon have repeatedly announced US-mediated ceasefire arrangements, including a new framework unveiled on Friday, implementation has remained limited.
Israel has insisted it will not withdraw from territory it controls, while Hezbollah continues to reject calls to disarm as long as Israeli forces remain deployed.
Lebanese state television reported an Israeli drone strike in the Nabatiyeh area of southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Shipping routes at centre of dispute
Throughout the conflict, hundreds of ships, including oil tankers, were stranded inside the Gulf because of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
As shipping gradually resumed over the past two weeks, oil prices fell close to pre-war levels.
Also Read: Iran warns Gulf states over Hormuz shipping control
However, analysts say restoring normal two-way commercial traffic depends on whether international shipping companies consider the waterway safe again.
The United States has promoted a southern shipping lane along Oman's coast, while Iran continues to advocate a northern route through its own territorial waters and ultimately aims to charge transit fees.
Vance warns Iran against further escalation
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington had honoured the ceasefire agreement and blamed Iran for the renewed tensions.
"Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone. But violence will be met with violence," Vance wrote on X.
Before the latest escalation, global oil prices had already fallen around three percent on Friday, putting them on course for a steep weekly decline.
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