Oil Tanker Attacked Off Oman Coast Leaves 1 Injured, 2 Missing; Suspected Hit by US Missile

An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman, leaving one crew member injured and two missing. The vessel, identified as the Settebello, a Palau-flagged chemical/oil tanker, reported an engine room fire after being struck, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). British maritime security firm Ambrey assessed the attack was likely a US operation to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports. The US Central Command did not immediately comment. The incident occurred 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman, and the Omani navy responded to the distress call. This follows the US blockade of Iran-related shipping in April after Iran restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit chokepoint. The US Central Command previously reported disabling seven non-compliant vessels and rerouting 134 others.

Global Impact

This incident escalates US-Iran tensions in the Persian Gulf, directly threatening the security of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil passes. Economically, a sustained disruption could spike oil prices above $100/bbl, straining import-dependent economies in Asia and Europe.