Three Tanker Vessels Damaged in Gulf as Strait of Hormuz Faces Escalating Risks

London — At least three commercial tanker vessels have been damaged in the Persian Gulf and one sailor has died following Iranian retaliation against military strikes by the United States and Israel. These attacks have exposed commercial shipping to severe indirect impacts of the broader conflict, according to maritime sources and officials, Sunday (1 March 2026).

Risks to commercial shipping have surged dramatically in the past 24 hours. Maritime data indicates that more than 200 vessels, including oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, have dropped anchor near the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.

Iran has stated that it has closed navigation routes through the strategically crucial strait. This move has prompted governments and refineries throughout Asia—as primary purchasers of oil—to assess their energy reserves. Several major container shipping companies have also rerouted their operations via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

“The US-Israeli strikes against Iran have dramatically increased security risks for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters,” said Jakob Larsen, Head of Safety and Security at the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO).

The parties responsible for launching the projectiles and drones that targeted the vessels remain unclear.

US President Donald Trump stated that American military forces have destroyed nine Iranian naval vessels and struck the nation’s naval headquarters.