Another Tanker Hit in the Strait of Hormuz
Incident Comes as Iran’s President Heads to New York
A tanker travelling through the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile on Monday, as renewed diplomatic attention turns to the conflict between the United States and Iran.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel was conducting an inbound transit through the strait on September 21 when it was hit. Two crew members suffered minor injuries, but the tanker remained under its own power and continued towards its next port. No environmental damage was reported.
UKMTO has not identified who was responsible or confirmed what type of projectile struck the vessel. Authorities are investigating the incident.
The incident comes as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to leave for New York on Tuesday, September 22, to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
US President Donald Trump has said he would be open to meeting Pezeshkian during the gathering, although no meeting between the two leaders has been publicly announced.
Despite the tanker incident, oil prices fell sharply on Monday as traders focused on the possibility of US-Iran diplomacy and recovering Saudi exports. Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel during trading.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains far below pre-war levels, even as Saudi crude shipments through the waterway have recently increased.
