"An Israeli oil tanker, commercially named Aqua 1, operating in the central Persian Gulf, was struck by missiles from the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is currently burning," the IRGC stated on Iranian state television on 1/4.

The IRGC did not provide evidence that the Aqua 1 is Israeli-owned. According to the maritime tracking website Marine Traffic, the oil tanker flies the Panama flag and is currently chartered by QatarEnergy.

The Aqua 1 oil tanker in Singapore, photographed in 12/2025. *Ship Spotting*.

Earlier the same day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and QatarEnergy reported that the Aqua 1 oil tanker was attacked in Qatari waters, approximately 31 km north of the industrial hub of Ras Laffan, home to the world's largest gas plant.

All 21 sailors on board were evacuated, with no casualties reported. The attack also did not pose a risk of an oil spill.

The IRGC did not disclose the type of missile used to attack the Aqua 1. Qatar's Ministry of Defense stated that the oil tanker was hit by one of three cruise missiles launched from Iranian territory, causing damage at the waterline.

The IRGC also asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to Iran's "enemies," adding that the situation around this vital waterway "remains firmly under their control."

Israel has not commented on the information.

The area where the Aqua 1 oil tanker was operating when struck by an Iranian missile on 1/4. *UKMTO graphic*.

Following the outbreak of conflict on 28/2, Iran has targeted critical infrastructure across the Middle East, including oil and gas facilities in the Gulf region. This attack will likely further jeopardize the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for 20% of the world's oil and gas supply.

By Ngoc Anh (According to Times of Israel, CNN, Reuters)