Iranian Missile Attacks Threaten Gas Tanker Explosion in Strategic Strait of Hormuz

A gas tanker struck by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz is at risk of exploding due to a fire in its engine room, a source told Reuters on Tuesday. The British Maritime Trade Operations agency reported two additional incidents in the strait, involving one tanker damaged by an unidentified object and another hit by a drone. The Qatari gas tanker Al-Rakaia and a Saudi oil tanker were both targeted overnight by Iranian missile fire while transiting the strategic waterway. The Al-Rakaia, carrying liquefied natural gas, sent distress signals after being hit on its port side near Omani waters.

This latest attack underscores the ongoing dangers in the Hormuz region despite a recent US-Iran memorandum aimed at securing safe passage. Since the agreement, at least four commercial vessels have been attacked or damaged, including the two tankers hit overnight. According to Axios, the US may respond to these attacks by targeting Iranian assets. The missile strikes occurred shortly after talks in Qatar last week, which reportedly failed to produce significant progress toward a final deal.

US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism following the talks, stating that Iran's nuclear dismantlement was "progressing well" and that the meetings were "very good." However, negotiations have since paused as Iran holds funeral events for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with large demonstrations in Tehran and other cities calling for revenge against the US and Israel. The situation remains tense in this key maritime chokepoint, critical for global energy supplies.