Oil tanker near Oman struck by projectile, left unable to navigate... Engine room damaged

On the 25th (local time), the first day of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran, a tanker passing through waters about 16.7km off the northeastern coast of Oman—a key chokepoint for oil supply near the Strait of Hormuz—was struck by an unidentified projectile. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel's engine room was damaged, rendering it unable to navigate, though there were no casualties. UKMTO stated that relevant authorities are investigating the incident and advised vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to report any suspicious activity immediately and to proceed with caution. It has not yet been confirmed whether there are any environmental impacts resulting from the strike.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) warned on the 23rd that a total of 45 vessels violating Strait of Hormuz transit regulations could face fines or cargo seizure. This included five vessels owned by South Korea's Jangjin Shipping. Iran stated that not only the sanctioned vessels themselves, but any vessels involved in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers with them could also be subject to sanctions.

The Trump administration announced on the 24th Eastern Time a so-called "economic isolation campaign" that imposes secondary sanctions on countries trading specific goods with Iran.