UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed a cargo vessel was struck on its side by an unknown projectile southeast of Dahit, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz. The hit damaged the bridge but caused no injuries or environmental spill. UKMTO urged ships to transit the waterway with caution, underscoring lingering security concerns despite recent diplomatic easing.

Hours later, at least three outbound freighters, including two oil supertankers, reversed course while using the US‑protected Oman coastal route. Maritime‑intelligence feeds broadcast messages appearing to come from the Iranian navy, instructing vessels not to proceed. Tracking data showed several ships ignored the directive and continued, highlighting fragmented compliance.

The incident follows the International Maritime Organization’s recent assurance that Hormuz transits were safe, a claim it withdrew minutes before a scheduled briefing. With Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority insisting on prior permission for passage, insurers and charterers face renewed premium pressure, and oil‑linked freight rates may tighten as shippers reassess route risk.

Shipping analysts note that the U‑turns could curtail the modest traffic rebound seen after last week’s US‑Iran interim agreement. If vessels continue to avoid the Oman corridor, regional exporters may seek longer detours around the Cape of Good Hope, inflating voyage costs and delaying deliveries. The episode reinforces Hormuz’s status as a volatility trigger for global energy markets.