UN halts Hormuz escorts after ship attack

The United Nations' maritime evacuation and escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz has been temporarily

Dubai: The United Nations’ maritime evacuation and escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz has been temporarily suspended after a commercial vessel reported coming under attack near the strategic waterway, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the region.

The decision was taken as international authorities reassessed safety guarantees for ships and crews using the route following the latest incident.

A Singapore-flagged cargo vessel operated by a major Asian shipping company reported being struck by an unidentified object while sailing near the coast of Oman along a route recommended by international maritime security agencies.

Initial inspections showed damage to the vessel’s bridge windows on the starboard side. However, the crew, cargo and ship remained safe, and the vessel was able to continue its journey out of the Strait without requiring emergency assistance.

Security officials are investigating the possibility that the vessel may have been targeted by a drone or another airborne object, although no official conclusion has yet been announced.

The incident occurred only days after a preliminary understanding aimed at reducing tensions in the Gulf region and restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities have recently reiterated that ships travelling through the waterway should use designated routes approved by Tehran, warning that vessels choosing alternative paths could face additional risks.

The United Nations maritime mission was established to assist hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers stranded in the Gulf during months of regional conflict and disruptions to commercial shipping.

Following the latest security incident, the organisation announced a temporary pause in escort operations while reviewing the safety environment and consulting relevant regional and international stakeholders.

Officials clarified that the affected vessel was not part of the UN-assisted convoy programme.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports every day.

Energy markets have closely monitored developments in the region since the outbreak of hostilities earlier this year, with disruptions to shipping routes contributing to volatility in global oil prices.

Despite security concerns, signs have emerged that regional energy exports are gradually recovering.

Several oil tankers that had remained stranded for months have resumed transit through the waterway, while major Gulf energy producers have begun restoring export operations.

Saudi Arabia’s energy sector also showed signs of normalisation after crude loading operations resumed at the Ras Tanura export terminal following a lengthy interruption.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving regional stability and maintaining freedom of navigation continue amid ongoing discussions over security arrangements, maritime access and broader geopolitical issues in the Gulf.

Analysts believe the latest incident highlights the fragile nature of the current calm in the region and underscores the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.