Explosion Damages Tanker Near Oman’s Coast, Fuel Spills in Sea Amid Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz

An explosion damaged a tanker near its waterline off Oman. The incident occurred about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the crew and vessel are safe, though some bunker fuel has been discharged into the sea. The cause of the blast remains unclear.

Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz as Iran continues to lay mines in nearby waters, aiming to block this crucial oil shipping route that typically handles one-fifth of global oil production.

Hours prior, US forces conducted overnight strikes on missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines in Gulf waters.