The vessels — the Saudi-flagged *Sidr* and the Liberian-flagged *Senegal Prosperity*, operated by South Korea’s Sinokor — were hit within minutes of each other on Monday night near Khasab, Oman, according to maritime intelligence and tracking firms. Both tankers were carrying about two million barrels of Saudi crude loaded from the Juaymah terminal. All crew members were reported safe.
The attacks come after the United States resumed military strikes against Iran over the weekend, targeting rocket-launching capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently responded with attacks on U.S. positions in the region, raising concerns that the conflict could enter another period of intensified military confrontation.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also warned that Washington could launch further strikes against Iran, despite his administration recently signalling a greater focus on economic pressure and sanctions. The renewed fighting has raised fears of a prolonged confrontation, with neither side appearing willing to give up its strategic position around the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest attacks have also triggered fresh concerns over global energy supplies. Oil prices rose sharply on Tuesday, with Brent crude climbing above $92 a barrel as traders reacted to the increased risk of further disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Any prolonged disruption could therefore push energy prices higher and increase pressure on economies around the world.
However, there has so far been **no confirmed attribution** of the tanker attacks to Iran or any other party. Maritime reports describe the weapons as unidentified projectiles, making it important to avoid directly blaming Tehran without further evidence.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated that Tehran remains open to restoring the previous ceasefire arrangement if Washington also returns to its commitments, suggesting that diplomatic efforts could still provide a possible path away from further escalation.
