New report of attack on Strait of Hormuz threatens oil supplies

A new report has surfaced of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies following Saudi Arabia's recent shutdown of a vital oil pipeline. The British navy-affiliated agency UKMTO reported a projectile striking the vessel, causing a fire and subsequent evacuation of the crew.

This incident occurred the day after Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West pipeline as a precaution, following a drone attack both Baghdad and Riyadh attributed to Iraq, a region where Iranian-backed militias operate. The 1,200-kilometer pipeline has been the primary route for Middle East oil exports for the past six months, transporting four to five million barrels per day, or four to five percent of global oil supply.

The Strait of Hormuz has largely been out of commission due to the ongoing conflict. Responsibility for the attacks on the pipeline has not been claimed. Smoke from the pipeline south of Medina was visible in satellite images, indicating damage. Injuries and the extent of damage are still being assessed. U.S. President Donald Trump, currently in Ireland, suggested Iran as a likely culprit.

Earlier, the Saudi Civil Defence reported that a projectile fired by the Houthis injured two people and damaged several buildings in the Jazan region, including a mosque. Iranian state media reported that an Iranian commercial vessel was struck off its southern coast, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.