Tankers near Oman come under fire as Iran threatens to choke off shipping routes

Vessels transiting through the Gulf of Oman are pictured off the coast of Muscat on July 25, 2026. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) / - | Afp | Getty ImagesA tanker near Oman reported being struck overnight, with another saying it saw an explosion nearby as Iran warned Washington that the U.S. military's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would result in the closure of key shipping routes.Separately, Kuwait said its air defenses confronted hostile drone attacks by Iran.The latest conflict comes amid U.S. media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing for a fresh round of strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, as hopes of a negotiated end to the war that began on Feb. 28 recede and energy prices climb.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) — an organization backed by the British Navy — said Saturday it received a report of a tanker being hit by an "unknown projectile which has caused damage to the engine room." "The tanker is not under command and the regional Coast Guard have been informed. There are no reported casualties or environmental impact," UKMTO said of the incident 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman.Another tanker in the waters off ...