Ankara: A tanker reported being struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said. The agency received reports of an incident approximately 8 nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman.

According to Anadolu Agency, multiple reports were received by UKMTO indicating that the tanker communicated over VHF Channel 16 about the impact. Authorities are currently investigating the incident. UKMTO has advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the agency.

Regional tensions have been on the rise since the United States and Israel initiated a joint offensive against Iran in February, prompting Iran to respond with drone and missile strikes targeting Gulf nations hosting US assets. Despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding signed last month between the US and Iran aiming to end their conflict, tensions have escalated once more. Last week, the Strait of Hormuz became a flashpoint with the US and Iran exchanging attacks, further complicating the situation.