At least three container ships came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime security sources and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incidents come amid heightened tensions after Iran imposed restrictions on vessels transiting the strait, first in response to US-Israeli bombardment and later following a US blockade of Iranian ports.

One Liberia-flagged container ship sustained damage to its bridge after being struck by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades northeast of Oman. The UKMTO said the vessel’s master reported being approached by a gunboat linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before it was fired upon. All crew members were reported safe, with no fire or environmental damage.

Maritime sources said three individuals were on board the attacking gunboat. The master of the Greek-operated vessel added that no prior radio contact had been made, despite earlier indications that the ship had permission to transit the strait.

In a separate incident, the UKMTO said a second container ship, sailing under a Panama flag, was fired upon about eight nautical miles west of Iran. The vessel was not damaged, and its crew remained safe.

A third Liberia-flagged ship was also targeted in the same area while exiting the strait. Although it was not damaged, the vessel reportedly halted in the water following the incident. All crew members aboard were unharmed.

Before the conflict escalated on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Source: BBC