Two explosions were heard near an oil tanker while the vessel was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), as security concerns remain high amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to Al Jazeera, citing the UK maritime security agency, the tanker’s captain reported hearing two blasts in the Kumzar area near Oman’s coastline on Thursday. No damage was reported to the vessel and no crew members were injured.
The UKMTO said it was monitoring the incident and advised ships operating in the area to exercise caution. The agency did not provide details on the cause of the explosions, and no group or country has been blamed for the incident.
The reported blasts come as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of regional security concerns. The narrow waterway, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant share of global oil shipments passing through it.
The incident also comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at reducing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he prefers reaching a deal with Iran to avoid further conflict and deaths, while warning that military options remain available if diplomacy fails.
Trump has argued that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and has described negotiations as a possible path toward resolving the crisis. His administration has continued to emphasize that any agreement must protect regional security and freedom of navigation through key waterways.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has also backed diplomatic efforts, saying a potential agreement with Iran could benefit Americans. However, he has stressed that Washington would use diplomatic, economic and military tools to ensure any deal meets U.S. objectives.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have been holding discussions over possible arrangements related to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports have suggested that Tehran is seeking a greater role in managing shipping activity, while the United States has opposed any arrangement that could restrict international navigation.
Iran has previously rejected some proposed maritime arrangements involving the strait, particularly issues related to shipping routes and control over vessels operating near its waters.
