Kamal Ghorui
Representative image (Picture credit: ANI)
An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, injuring four crew members and forcing a full evacuation, as tensions continue to escalate after US–Israel strikes on Iran.Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was targeted about five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in Musandam Governorate. All 20 crew members, 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals, were evacuated safely. Preliminary information indicates that at least four sustained injuries and were transferred for medical treatment, according to Gulf News.Omani authorities also confirmed that the port of Duqm was targeted in a drone attack.
Strait effectively shut after IRGC warning
The attack came a day after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared via radio transmissions that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to international navigation.While Tehran has not formally announced a full blockade, Reuters reported that multiple vessels in the area received VHF warnings stating that “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz”.The British Navy said such orders were not legally binding but advised caution. An EU naval mission official told Reuters that disruptions were building rapidly, although traffic had not completely stopped.The strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, carries roughly 20% of global oil supply and large volumes of LNG, particularly from Qatar. It is considered one of the world’s most critical maritime choke points.
Ships halted, insurers withdraw cover
Several tanker owners and oil majors have suspended crude and LNG shipments through the route. Satellite images showed vessels backing up near Fujairah in the UAE. German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd said it was suspending transit through Hormuz, while French group CMA CGM instructed ships to seek shelter.Consultancy Kpler noted that at least 14 LNG tankers had slowed, stopped or turned around. Specific vessels, including the KHK Empress and India-flagged Desh Abhimaan, reportedly reversed course, as per Euronews.Marine insurers have halted coverage for voyages in the area, leaving operators exposed to major risk premiums.
Regional ripple effects
According to news agency ANI, three Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels, Karachi, Lahore and Khairpur, were stopped by Iran from entering Hormuz. Two were held at Fujairah port in the UAE, while one anchored at Gwadar in Pakistan.The disruption follows joint US–Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering missile retaliation across the region.Oil markets reopened Sunday evening amid speculation that Brent crude could touch $100 per barrel, levels last seen after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Barclays analysts warned that a prolonged halt could block up to 20 million barrels per day, around 20% of global supply.With traffic stalled and tensions high, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, and further escalation could have severe consequences for global energy markets.
