A tanker was struck by unidentified projectiles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported.

The incident occurred as the United States announced it would begin escorting ships through the blocked Strait of Hormuz. No responsibility for the attack has been claimed.

What happened to the tanker hit by unknown projectiles off the UAE?

A tanker reported being struck by unknown projectiles approximately 78 nautical miles north of the UAE city of Fujairah, according to UKMTO.

All crew members were reported safe and no environmental damage was recorded. UKMTO advised vessels to transit the region with caution while authorities investigate.

Where did the tanker attack off Fujairah take place?

The strike occurred in waters north of Fujairah, a port city on the UAE’s eastern coast that sits near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The location places it squarely within one of the world’s most strategically sensitive shipping corridors.

The area has seen repeated maritime incidents since the broader Middle East conflict intensified.

The attack adds to mounting pressure on commercial shipping in the Gulf. As of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, down from over 1,100 at the start of the conflict, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine.

Iran has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, and the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.

What is the US doing to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz?

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the US would begin escorting commercial ships through the strait from Monday. US Central Command said the operation would deploy guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members.

Trump described the effort as a humanitarian mission for crews aboard stranded vessels facing food and supply shortages.

The tanker strike comes as Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked in peace negotiations. A ceasefire in the Middle East war came into effect on April 8, but control of the Strait of Hormuz has remained the central sticking point.

Iran warned on Monday that any US interference in what it calls the strait’s “new maritime regime” would constitute a ceasefire violation.