Tanker reports being fired upon as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions

A tanker has reported coming under fire from Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran again moved to restrict passage through one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, according to maritime security agencies.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report that two vessels linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on a commercial tanker near the coast of Oman. The ship and its crew were not harmed, officials said.

The incident comes amid rapidly shifting developments in the Strait, where Iran has repeatedly announced closures and reopenings in response to a continuing dispute with the United States over a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian military authorities have now said the Strait is again under strict control, warning that commercial passage may be restricted unless US measures are lifted. State media has framed the move as a response to what Tehran calls “ongoing violations” of agreements linked to a fragile ceasefire.

Despite the restrictions, some vessel-tracking data indicates that a limited number of tankers have continued to transit the waterway, highlighting uncertainty over enforcement and access.

The United States has maintained that the Strait remains open for international shipping, insisting its naval presence is aimed at enforcing sanctions and ensuring maritime security until a broader diplomatic agreement is reached.

However, Iran has rejected those claims and denied any US assertion of concessions in ongoing negotiations, including reports of agreements on nuclear material removal.

The Strait of Hormuz through which roughly a fifth of global oil trade passes remains on edge, with conflicting statements from all sides and heightened risks for commercial shipping.