Vessel Hit by Unknown Projectile in Strait of Hormuz as Oil Supply Fears Grow

A vessel was struck by an “unknown projectile” while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported Sunday, raising fresh concerns about the safety of one of the world's most important energy routes.

The incident came as the widening Middle East war continues to disrupt regional shipping and energy infrastructure. Concerns intensified after Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline, which had become a crucial alternative route while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained severely disrupted.

Vessel Attack Reported in Strait of Hormuz

UKMTO said it received a report that a projectile struck a vessel as it was travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, several critical details remained unclear.

The agency had not established the extent of damage to the vessel or the condition of its crew. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The lack of attribution means it remains unclear who launched the projectile or whether the incident was directly connected to the wider regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump, speaking in Ireland, said Iran was probably responsible for the latest strikes. However, the report did not provide independent evidence establishing Iranian involvement.

Saudi Pipeline Closure Adds to Oil Supply Concerns

The maritime incident came just one day after Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West pipeline as a precaution following a drone attack.

Baghdad and Riyadh said the drone originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate.

The development is particularly significant because the pipeline has provided Saudi Arabia with an alternative to shipping crude through the Strait of Hormuz.

The roughly 1,200-kilometre pipeline crosses the Arabian Peninsula from Saudi oil-producing regions to the Red Sea and has served as an important export route during the disruption of Hormuz traffic.

According to the report, it had been transporting approximately 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day, equivalent to around 4% to 5% of global supply.

Oil Prices Already Above $100

The latest developments threaten to compound pressure on global energy markets.

With both maritime routes and alternative infrastructure facing security risks, traders are increasingly concerned about how much oil can reliably reach international markets.

Brent crude has already moved above $100 a barrel, while US diesel prices have climbed beyond $6 per gallon, according to the report.

A prolonged disruption could affect not only crude prices but also transportation, manufacturing, food distribution and consumer inflation.

The central concern is that the conflict is beginning to threaten multiple routes simultaneously rather than leaving markets with a single isolated disruption.

Houthi Advance Creates Another Maritime Risk

The Strait of Hormuz is not the only major shipping chokepoint facing increased risks.

The Houthis in Yemen are advancing along the Red Sea coast and, according to Yemeni government sources cited in the report, have seized Perim Island.

The island sits near the Bab el-Mandeb, the strategic passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

That creates the possibility of increased pressure on shipping at another critical gateway.

Together, the developments around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb raise concerns about a broader disruption extending across two of the most important maritime routes connecting Middle Eastern energy supplies with global markets.

Saudi Arabia Seeks US Help Against Houthis

The growing Houthi threat is also creating pressure on Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked Trump for military assistance against the Houthis.

Trump said Washington would provide intelligence support, but would not directly intervene against the group for the time being.

That leaves Riyadh facing a difficult security situation as it attempts to protect both its territory and vital energy infrastructure without drawing the United States deeper into another regional confrontation.

Hormuz Talks Face Major Obstacles

Diplomatic efforts are also underway.

An Iran-led meeting with Gulf states in Oman is expected to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Iranian officials have reportedly played down expectations of a breakthrough.

Tehran wants its control over the strategic waterway recognised and has also sought the ability to collect fees from vessels using the strait.

Washington rejects those demands, creating a major obstacle to any agreement over the future of commercial navigation.

Why Hormuz Matters to the World

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages because of the enormous volume of oil and gas that normally moves through it.

Any prolonged disruption can therefore have consequences far beyond the Middle East.

For shipping companies, the risks include attacks, higher insurance premiums, rerouting and delays. For energy markets, the consequences can include tighter supply, higher crude prices and increased fuel costs.

If threats expand simultaneously around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, the impact could become even more severe because ships would face heightened risks at two separate gateways.