A fire broke out in the engine room of a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The cause of the fire has not been disclosed. Local authorities reported that the incident occurred about 21 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman.

The incident comes shortly after Iran’s central military command declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz completely closed following recent U.S. attacks. Iran warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be treated as a target. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global energy transport, and its closure has heightened regional tensions.

The timing of the tanker fire near the closed strait adds to concerns over maritime safety and the potential escalation of conflict in the region, though no link between the fire and the broader tensions has been confirmed.