A Malta-flagged vessel was struck by a projectile off Oman, the fourth such incident in 24 hours, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted control over the vital oil route.

MUSCAT: A Malta-flagged container ship was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to two maritime security agencies.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the vessel was hit just above the water line, causing a fire in the engine room while it was two nautical miles north of Oman and travelling eastbound through the straits.

Private maritime security agency Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as the Safeen Prestige, with shipping tracker Marine Traffic showing it was en route from the UAE’s Ghantoot port to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

This incident marks the fourth reported attack in regional waters within a 24-hour period, following projectiles striking or landing near three other vessels off the Emirati and Omani coasts.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated on Wednesday they had “complete control” over the vital waterway, through which around 20% of global seaborne oil passes, and warned any vessels seeking to pass risked damage from missiles or stray drones.

With energy prices already spiking, US President Donald Trump said the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial shipping route.

 The Sun Malaysia