Tanker reports explosions in Hormuz: maritime agency

An oil tanker reported hearing explosions while transiting the Hormuz strait near Oman, a British maritime agency said Thursday, as Tehran and Muscat hold talks to jointly manage the key waterway.

"The Master of a tanker has reported hearing two explosions whilst transiting in the Strait of Hormuz," the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on X, an incident that occurred about ten miles (16 kilometres) southeast of Kumzar, Oman.

"The report confirms that crew and vessel are safe. No environmental damage has been reported," UKMTO said. Iran, which has seized de facto control over the strait since the Middle East war began on February 28, has fired on ships it said failed to follow authorised routes.