A Malta-flagged container ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 3.7 km north of Oman, today. The vessel sustained a hit from an "unidentified flying object" just above the waterline, sparking a fire in its engine room, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

An oil tanker at the Khor Fakkan port in the UAE, located along the Strait of Hormuz, in 6/2025. Photo: AFP

Private maritime security firm Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as the Safeen Prestige. Marine Traffic data indicates the ship was en route from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Ghantoot port to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This incident marks the fourth attack reported in the region within 24 hours, following similar strikes or near misses on three other vessels off the coasts of the UAE and Oman.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on 4/3 that it had "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20% of the world's seaborne oil passes. The IRGC warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strait risks damage from missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Amid soaring energy prices fueled by the Middle East conflict, US President Donald Trump declared the US Navy's readiness to escort oil tankers through this vital maritime route.

However, shipping experts have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of President Trump's proposed plan.

Amena Bakr, head of Middle East energy research at data and analytics firm Kpler, wrote on X: "No one in the Gulf has detailed information on how Trump's plan would operate." She added that experts believe the idea of escorting ships is not feasible due to their vulnerability to Iranian missiles, and even if implemented, the costs would be prohibitive.

The location of the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding countries. Graphic: NASA

Similarly, BIMCO, a Denmark-based shipping association, suggested that protecting all commercial vessels operating in areas targeted by Iran is impractical. Such an undertaking would require a substantial deployment of warships and other military assets.

Analysts also noted that organizing an escort operation would take at least one week and necessitate large-scale US strikes against Iran's anti-ship weaponry, including unmanned surface vessels and mini-submarines. There is also a risk that Iran could lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Navy previously escorted its oil tankers through Hormuz between 1987 and 1988 during the Iran-Iraq War. However, the US was not a direct belligerent in that conflict.

The US and Israeli militaries launched a joint strike campaign against Iran on 28/2, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, as well as numerous high-ranking officials and generals. These attacks resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials.

In response, Iran initiated a retaliation campaign against Israeli territory and multiple bases housing US forces across the Middle East. Tehran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to choke a vital chokepoint for global oil trade.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, CNN, Reuters)