Tanker reports hearing two explosions off Oman near Strait of Hormuz

The UK Maritime Trade Operations center said Thursday it had received a delayed report from a tanker master who heard two explosions while the vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz approximately nine nautical miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman. According to the report, the crew remained safe and no environmental damage occurred, though UKMTO advised all vessels in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity immediately.

US-Iran tensions

The incident comes amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz following recent military confrontations between the United States and Iran. Washington has called on Tehran to ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway, while Iran insists that shipping in waters off its coast should be subject to its oversight, according to regional analysts.

Diplomatic developments

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he had canceled a planned military strike on Iran after regional mediation efforts, a claim dismissed by Iranian officials. Tehran denied reports that an agreement had been reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations.