A projectile struck an oil tanker near the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to a British maritime agency on Monday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the incident occurred 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah. The crew members were confirmed safe, and authorities have launched an investigation. UKMTO urged all vessels in the area to remain cautious following the attack.

At the same time, the United States announced plans to assist ships navigating the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, despite a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict that took effect on April 8. Iran continues to maintain strict control over the strategic waterway, while the US has imposed a naval blockade on Tehran.

The US Central Command said the operation will involve guided missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned vehicles, and 15,000 troops. Maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine reported that as of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were present in the Gulf region, down from over 1,100 before the conflict began.