Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude were reportedly attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, raising fresh concerns over commercial shipping through the key waterway. The incidents came as the United States maintained that the shipping route remains open despite continuing tensions involving Iran and U.S. forces in the region.

The Liberian-flagged tanker Senegal Prosperity, managed by South Korea’s Sinokor, was reportedly struck by three projectiles on its port side near Khasab, Oman. The attack damaged the vessel’s engine room and ballast tank, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The crew abandoned the tanker and was rescued by local authorities. The Saudi-flagged tanker Sidr was also reportedly attacked in the same area only minutes earlier and later anchored near the Omani coast.

The incidents came amid differing reports about the number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces were helping guide around 30 ships out of the waterway each night. However, maritime data firms Windward and Kpler reported lower traffic levels, with Kpler recording only five confirmed vessel crossings on Monday, August 31. Oil prices also increased following the latest security developments.

Regional tensions increased further on Tuesday after U.S. Central Command said American forces had begun strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran following attempted attacks against commercial shipping and U.S. personnel. Qatar said it was continuing mediation efforts, while reports indicated that several Bahri-managed tankers had recently changed their names and flags from Saudi Arabia to Liberia. The reason for the changes has not been officially confirmed.

NTERTANKO said shipowners will continue to decide whether to transit the Strait based on security guidance, vessel-specific risk assessments and the safety of their crews. The association has also advised operators to consider the latest information from maritime authorities before attempting passage through the area.

The group said the internationally recognized TSS should eventually return as the established route for commercial shipping once the broader security situation becomes stable. Until then, safety of seafarers and secure vessel movements are expected to remain the main considerations for companies operating through the Strait of Hormuz.