Iranian forces struck two commercial tankers within 24 hours, one off Qatar and another near Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first attacks in those waters in six months.

According to Euronews, the incidents suggest Tehran is extending its maritime operations beyond the tightly contested Strait of Hormuz, a corridor that handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil trade.

The vessels, both carrying crude, were reportedly hit by missiles launched from platforms linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iranian state‑run outlets described the actions as retaliation against what they called "aggressive" Western naval presence.

Initial reports indicated no fatalities among the crews, though one ship sustained a hull breach that forced it to divert to the nearest port for repairs.

The United States Central Command confirmed that its naval assets are monitoring the situation, while the United Arab Emirates’ maritime authority issued an advisory urging ships to maintain heightened vigilance in the Gulf of Oman.

Expanding strike zone

Iran’s missile strikes on the Qatar‑offshore tanker and the Fujairah‑proximate vessel represent a notable shift from its usual focus on the narrow waterway of Hormuz. The last attack outside the strait occurred in early 2026, according to maritime security analysts. The timing coincides with renewed diplomatic friction over Iran’s nuclear programme and recent sanctions targeting its oil export infrastructure.

Regional response

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry condemned the attacks as "destabilising" and called for a coordinated response among Gulf Cooperation Council members. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s naval liaison in the region said British warships are prepared to escort merchant ships if required.

Oman, which hosts the critical port of Fujairah, announced that its coastguard has stepped up patrols and is working with international partners to secure the sea lanes.

Implications for global trade

Any disruption in the Gulf of Oman threatens to compound the already volatile oil market, where Brent crude has risen by 1.5 % since the first strike was reported. Shipping companies are reportedly reviewing routes, with some opting for the longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope. Analysts warn that a broader Iranian campaign could push insurance premiums higher and force the re‑routing of vessels carrying not only oil but also liquefied natural gas and containerised cargo. The United Nations’ maritime security forum is slated to convene in Dubai next week, where officials are expected to discuss de‑escalation measures.

As Iran signals a willingness to target vessels beyond Hormuz, the risk of further incidents looms, leaving global trade networks on alert.