UK maritime agency raises threat level in Strait of Hormuz after tanker attack

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on commercial vessels in the region, Euronews reported.

Earlier, the tanker Master of Tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the strait. The vessel’s bridge was damaged, but no crew members were injured.

The UKMTO has warned mariners about the presence of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz and said that vessels should await further instructions while mine clearance operations are under way.

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a focal point of tensions between Washington and Tehran and features prominently in the memorandum of understanding recently agreed between the two sides.