The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that three attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday prompted it to raise the maritime threat level to “severe”, the second-highest warning level.
An unnamed LNG carrier caught fire after an unidentified object struck the port side of its engine room while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A very large crude carrier (VLCC) was also hit by an unidentified object as it departed the strait, causing structural damage. No casualties or environmental impact were reported, and the vessel continued its voyage.
UKMTO also received a report of another incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where a tanker was reportedly attacked by an unidentified drone. The vessel sustained minor damage but continued to its next port of call, with no casualties or environmental impact reported.
A third tanker near Oman’s Musandam peninsula was attacked and suffered minor structural damage. UKMTO said the likelihood of deliberate hostile action has increased, navigational disruption continues, and vessels should remain highly vigilant. It also warned that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues hailing ships and interfering with routes, particularly vessels with their automatic identification system (AIS) active.
Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the incidents, demanded that Iran immediately stop actions threatening regional security, and said such actions undermine the safety of international navigation and global shipping and energy supplies. It also summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador to protest actions targeting Qatari liquefied natural gas tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and said it reserves the right under international law to take measures to protect its interests.
Iran’s Supreme Leader’s international affairs adviser said Tehran’s support for “resistance forces” will not change.
US Revokes Iran Oil Sanctions License, Issues Wind-Down Order
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has revoked Iran-related General License X and replaced it with General License X1, effective July 7, 2026.
The new license replaces the June 21, 2026 authorization and provides for the revocation and wind-down of activities related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum products.
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