Explosion damages tanker near Oman

TDT | Manama

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An explosion damaged a tanker near its waterline while sailing off the coast of Oman on Tuesday. This incident has further heightened tensions in the strategic waters near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a maritime monitor.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel and its crew were safe, although the ship’s master reported that some bunker fuel leaked into the sea following the blast.

The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, around 60 nautical miles east of the Omani capital Muscat. UKMTO described the event as an “external explosion” but did not provide details on the source or cause of the detonation.

The waters around the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping route through which around one-fifth of global oil supply passes—remain on edge amid ongoing regional tensions. Iran has previously been accused of laying mines in nearby waters as part of its efforts to threaten or disrupt passage through the strait, Tehran has denied these allegations.

The latest maritime incident comes just hours after US forces carried out overnight strikes targeting missile sites in Iran, as well as vessels they said were attempting to deploy mines in Gulf waters.