Oman confirmed the first attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Skylight vessel hit near Khasab Port. All 20 crew members (15 Indian, 5 Iranian) were evacuated after the attack, though at least four required medical treatment. The incident follows Iran's declaration closing the critical waterway to international navigation after recent US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian leadership.

The attack has triggered immediate market disruption as ship traffic plummets with vessels executing U-turns. Major operators suspended operations through the Strait, and marine insurers halted coverage, creating extreme volatility. Analysts warn a prolonged closure could block 20 million barrels per day, representing about 20% of global supply, with oil futures poised to hit $100 per barrel.

OPEC+ countries responded with a modest output increase of 206,000 barrels per day, though the practical shutdown continues to impact markets. The Skylight, operating under US sanctions, and other vessels like the KHK Empress have turned back. The market now faces extreme uncertainty as the situation remains volatile without a formal kinetic blockade but with significant operational paralysis.