International | Updated October 13, 2026

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf of Oman waters remains a major risk for global energy markets amid the Iran conflict. Commercial-vessel incidents, military activity and warnings about shipping routes can affect crew safety, insurance costs, freight rates and energy-market uncertainty.

Latest: another tanker reported struck while leaving the Strait

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on October 11 that a tanker sailing outbound through the Strait of Hormuz was struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile, causing damage to the vessel. The crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was reported at the time. Authorities were investigating; UKMTO’s public notice did not identify the vessel or establish who was responsible.

UKMTO also reported a separate incident involving a tanker near Sohar anchorage, Oman, on October 11. Its initial notice said crew status, damage and environmental impact were unknown; a subsequent update reclassified the incident as an attack after the tanker was confirmed struck. These notices should not be assumed to refer to the same vessel or event as the missing Indian seafarers described below.

Two Indian seafarers remain missing after tanker attack

India condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the region on October 11. The tanker MT Petro Dolphin, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was struck by a drone at Sohar Anchorage off Oman. Nine crew members were rescued and two remained missing in the latest reports. A separate tanker, MT Valthera, was struck by an unidentified projectile and caught fire; all 11 Indian seafarers aboard were reported safe. Indian authorities and the Embassy in Muscat were coordinating with Omani authorities, ship managers and rescue agencies.

Iran-US talks over reopening the strait remain stalled

Reuters reported on October 11 that Iran described the US response to its proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz as insufficient. The proposal reportedly set out seven conditions and envisaged reopening the waterway within seven days, while Iran said some parts of Washington’s response remained unclear. No agreement to reopen the strait had been confirmed in reporting available on October 13.

Why this matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for oil and gas shipments. Further incidents can lead to rerouting, higher insurance premiums and freight costs, and volatility in energy prices. India is exposed through its dependence on imported crude oil and the safety of Indian seafarers working in the region. However, an individual reported strike does not by itself establish a sustained disruption to all shipping.

Sources

Reporting note: UKMTO reports describe incidents under investigation. The identity of the projectile and responsibility for the strike have not been established in the cited notice.