Muscat (HRNW)- Amid rising tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a major explosion struck an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, causing severe damage to the vessel and raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region.
The British maritime security organization UK Marine Trade Operations confirmed that the incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 60 nautical miles east of Muscat.
According to reports, the exact cause of the explosion could not immediately be determined, however preliminary information suggested that the blast may have been caused by an external object. The crew members aboard the tanker remained safe, although the vessel suffered significant damage.
The ship’s captain confirmed that bunker fuel used by the vessel had started leaking into the sea following the explosion.
Authorities have not yet identified who targeted the tanker or the motive behind the attack, while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
The explosion came only hours after US forces reportedly conducted overnight strikes on missile launch sites and boats in Iran, which American officials claimed were involved in attempts to lay sea mines in Gulf waters.
So far, no group or country has claimed responsibility for the attack on the tanker, while both US and Iranian officials have avoided directly commenting on the incident.
It is noteworthy that Iran has reportedly placed naval mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States has responded by tightening restrictions on Iranian naval activities.
As a result, global oil and gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been severely affected, leading to rising fuel prices and growing concerns in international energy markets.
Meanwhile, ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Iran and the United States continue under Pakistan’s mediation, with diplomatic sources expressing optimism that a final agreement could be reached soon.
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