A third tanker has been struck in the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on Tuesday.

The agency, which is investigating the incidents, advised vessels in the area to proceed with caution, citing 'heightened risk' of further attacks. According to the UKMTO, the third tanker was hit on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of attacks in the strait to three in just two days.

Tanker under attack in the Strait of Hormuz

Overnight attacks on Sunday and Monday saw two tankers struck, with the UKMTO urging caution and warning of a 'high' risk of further incidents in the strait, a vital shipping lane between the Middle East and Asia.

Security experts have linked the attacks to Iran-backed forces in the region, although the agency has not confirmed the identity of those responsible.

The incidents have raised alarm bells for global shipping companies and raised concerns about the safety of vessels transiting the strait.