Strait of Hormuz Tanker Attacks Push UK Maritime Threat to Severe

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that three attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday prompted it to raise the maritime threat level to “severe”, the second-highest warning level.

An unnamed LNG carrier caught fire after an unidentified object struck the port side of its engine room while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A very large crude carrier (VLCC) was also hit by an unidentified object as it departed the strait, causing structural damage. No casualties or environmental impact were reported, and the vessel continued its voyage.

UKMTO also received a report of another incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where a tanker was reportedly attacked by an unidentified drone. The vessel sustained minor damage but continued to its next port of call, with no casualties or environmental impact reported.

A third tanker near Oman’s Musandam peninsula was attacked and suffered minor structural damage. UKMTO said the likelihood of deliberate hostile action has increased, navigational disruption continues, and vessels should remain highly vigilant. It also warned that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues hailing ships and interfering with routes, particularly vessels with their automatic identification system (AIS) active.

Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the incidents, demanded that Iran immediately stop actions threatening regional security, and said such actions undermine the safety of international navigation and global shipping and energy supplies. It also summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador to protest actions targeting Qatari liquefied natural gas tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and said it reserves the right under international law to take measures to protect its interests.

Iran’s Supreme Leader’s international affairs adviser said Tehran’s support for “resistance forces” will not change.

US Revokes Iran Oil Sanctions License, Issues Wind-Down Order

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has revoked Iran-related General License X and replaced it with General License X1, effective July 7, 2026.

The new license replaces the June 21, 2026 authorization and provides for the revocation and wind-down of activities related to the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum products.

Update: The US has launched military strikes on Iran, with explosions reported in parts of the country. US officials said the operation is continuing and described it as “punishment.” President Trump approved the strikes and ordered the operation while attending the NATO summit in Turkey.

The U.S. has carried out a much larger wave of strikes against Iranian military targets, with a U.S. official describing the operation as “punishment, not proportional.” Officials said the campaign is expected to continue longer than previous U.S. retaliatory strikes.

According to reports, the strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, surface-to-air missiles, coastal surveillance sites, drone launch locations, port facilities, and anti-ship cruise missile positions. A U.S. official said the scale of the operation was four to five times larger than past responses.

U.S. officials also expect Iran to retaliate in the coming hours or days, with Gulf countries seen as possible targets.

U.S. airstrikes reportedly hit multiple targets in southern Iran, including marine radar systems and port facilities in Bandar Abbas, along with areas near Sirik and Qeshm Island. Multiple explosions were reported, with smoke seen rising from the targeted locations.