Cargo ship struck by unknown projectile off the coast of Oman

A cargo ship was reported to have been struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman early Tuesday local time, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency stated the vessel broadcast a report via VHF Channel 16 that it had been hit while sailing approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. UKMTO said authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and urged vessels transiting the area to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious activity. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the reported attack. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz following recent military confrontations between the United States and Iran. Washington has called on Tehran to guarantee freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway, while Iran maintains that shipping in its offshore waters must be under its supervision. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said he had called off a planned military strike on Iran following mediation efforts in the region. However, the claim was denied by Iranian officials, who also dismissed reports that an agreement had been reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.