Strait of Hormuz Heats Up Again, Tanker Bombed off UAE Coast

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - A tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report was issued by the British maritime agency on Monday (4/5/2026), as the United States (US) stated it would escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran amid the war.

“A tanker has reported being hit by an unidentified projectile,” said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding that all crew members were safe, as reported by AFP.

“The incident occurred 78 nautical miles north of the city of Fujairah, UAE,” the agency added.

UKMTO also urged ships to transit the area “with caution” while authorities conduct an investigation.

The report comes as the US and Iran open a new phase of peace negotiations, since the ceasefire in the Middle East war took effect on 8 April. Iran sent a new proposal to the US over the weekend, in which President Donald Trump described talks with Iran as “very positive.”

Previously, Iran has maintained control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz due to the US war against Tehran, supported by Israel. Trump has imposed a naval blockade in response.

On Sunday, Trump said the US would begin escorting ships through the strait starting Monday. The US Central Command said it would use guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain uncrewed platforms, and 15,000 military personnel in the effort.

According to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine, on 29 April, more than 900 commercial ships were in the Gulf. Previously, there were more than 1,100 ships at the start of the conflict.