Iran warns of harsh response to US pressure after tanker strike near Oman

An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman, damaging its engine room and disabling the vessel, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The crew was reported safe, with no immediate information on environmental impact. The attack occurred approximately nine nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman, in a US-protected shipping lane. This incident is part of a pattern of multiple projectile strikes on commercial vessels, particularly tankers, near the Strait of Hormuz throughout 2026 amid ongoing US-Iran hostilities. The UKMTO has issued repeated warnings about such attacks in the region. The incident comes as tensions remain high, with recent reports of US sanctions pressure on Iran and diplomatic efforts by Oman and China to de-escalate the conflict.