A Norwegian tanker was struck by an unknown explosive device off the coast of Oman early on 14 July 2026, triggering an engine room fire though the entire crew of the Stolt Magnesium escaped unharmed. The UKMTO maritime agency reported that an oil tanker was hit by a missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while a second vessel reported being struck by an unknown projectile 40 nautical miles northeast of Qalhat.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, saying it targeted two UAE-owned super tankers that had ignored warnings, reportedly killing an Indian sailor. Italian media cited the vessel's operator, Stolt-Nielsen, confirming the attack on its ship.
In response to the escalating maritime violence, the European Union advised airlines to avoid airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and parts of the Gulf of Oman until 29 July. Brent crude rose 4.8 percent to $87 a barrel on the news.