An oil tanker was hit by an unknown projectile on Tuesday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a fire that was subsequently extinguished, with all crew members reported safe, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. This incident, which occurred near Omani waters, adds to a series of attacks disrupting shipping traffic in this critical energy passage. Despite efforts by the U.S. to provide escort for vessels along the Omani side, ship traffic remains well below pre-war levels, dropping to as few as five confirmed crossings on Tuesday compared to over 130 daily before hostilities began.

President Donald Trump recently asserted that the Strait of Hormuz had been cleared of Iranian mines and characterized it as a “functioning strait,” emphasizing that oil exports continue through the area. However, U.S. allies have expressed skepticism regarding the completeness of mine clearance, questioning the safety of the waterway for commercial shipping. The ongoing threat from sporadic attacks, including drone and rocket strikes, contrasts with Trump’s optimistic statements and highlights the fragile conditions in the region.

Diplomatic efforts have produced a temporary maritime corridor agreed upon by Iran and Oman, aimed at improving navigation safety in the strait. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, however, stated that full reopening depends on the U.S. fulfilling terms from a now-lapsed interim peace deal, including ending sanctions and compensating for war damages. Meanwhile, the U.S. military continues its naval blockade and escorts oil tankers through safer routes near Oman, maintaining a strong presence to control maritime traffic.

In response to the sanctions and overall U.S. policy, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the United Nations and its member states to denounce what Iran calls “economic terrorism” imposed by Washington. He argued that the UN holds both legal and moral obligations to condemn these sanctions as illegal and criminal. The diplomatic tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain high, with ongoing conflicts between Iran and the U.S. influencing both regional security and global oil supply dynamics.