ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A cargo vessel was struck by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, a British maritime security monitor reported early Tuesday in the latest security incident along the strategic waterway following the reinstatement of the US blockade on Iranian ports.
"A cargo vessel has broadcasted on VHF 16 that they have been hit by an unknown projectile" about 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) northeast of al-Khasab, Oman, the UKMTO (UK Maritime Trade Operations said in a warning notice.
The agency said authorities were investigating the incident but did not identify the vessel, provide details about the extent of the damage, or report any casualties.
The reported strike comes amid persisting concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz after the US reinstated its blockade on Iranian ports in mid-July following the collapse of “message exchanges” with Tehran earlier in July that failed to result in a tangible agreement.
The UKMTO, which produces a product termed ‘warnings’ announcing attack, boarding, hijack and other maritime security-related incidents, has issued 106 reports to date in 2026.
Hours before the incident, US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were continuing despite Tehran's public denials, describing the talks as the Islamic Republic's "last chance before decapitation."
Trump announced at the White House on Monday that he had agreed to continue pursuing diplomacy at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other regional partners.
"We are talking right now," Trump told reporters. "This is a last chance for them to sign a good document. I want to give them every last chance before decapitation."
Trump said the discussions were focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he suggested could happen "literally by tomorrow," as well as Iran's nuclear program.
Iran's foreign ministry denied on Monday that negotiations with Washington were taking place.
Washington and Tehran have been at war since February 28, when the US and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran. Although intermittent diplomatic efforts have produced periods of relative calm, fighting has continued for more than five months, with Iran retaining the ability to launch missiles and drones at US and allied targets across the region.
A previous ceasefire agreement reached in mid-June collapsed before it could take effect. The deal had been expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that its forces have redirected 44 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two others while enforcing Washington's maritime blockade against Iran.