Three Cargo Ships Hit Near Iran, Raising Risks in Hormuz

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that at least three commercial cargo ships were struck by unidentified projectiles near Iran and around the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting rising security risks in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.

According to maritime security updates, the vessels affected include the Thai‑flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, the Japanese‑linked container ship ONE Majesty and the bulk carrier Star Gwyneth. The Mayuree Naree caught fire following the strike, forcing part of its crew to abandon the vessel, while the other ships reportedly sustained limited damage above the waterline.

The incidents occurred off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with global markets. Maritime authorities said the attacks are part of a broader escalation in threats against commercial shipping in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one‑fifth of global oil shipments, making disruptions in the area a major concern for energy markets and international trade. Shipping analysts note that escalating military tensions and repeated attacks on vessels have already caused a sharp decline in maritime traffic through the strait, with many operators delaying or suspending transits through the region.