A third commercial tanker has been struck in the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, raising fresh concerns about the security of one of the world's busiest energy corridors as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to simmer despite an interim memorandum of understanding that paused hostilities and was meant to pave the way for negotiations on a permanent peace deal.

The latest incident involved a tanker that was hit by an unidentified projectile, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the British naval agency that monitors shipping in the region. While no casualties or damage were reported, the attack has intensified fears that commercial vessels passing through the narrow waterway are once again becoming targets.

It follows two separate attacks reported earlier on Tuesday, including a strike on a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and damage to a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker.

THIRD TANKER STRUCK IN HORMUZ
In a post on X, UKMTO said the latest vessel had suffered structural damage after being hit by an unidentified projectile.

"The tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile and is believed to have structural damage," the agency said. Officials said no injuries had been reported and there was no immediate indication of pollution or an oil spill.

UKMTO added that investigations are continuing and urged ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz to remain alert. The agency advised vessels "to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity."

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the latest attack.

QATAR ACCUSES IRAN
The incident comes just hours after Qatar accused Iran of attacking its LNG carrier Al Rekayyat, which was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz overnight.

According to news agency Reuters, the vessel reported being struck by a drone that ignited a fire in the engine room. Although the crew escaped safely and evacuation operations were launched, maritime security officials warned that the blaze posed a serious explosion risk because the ship was carrying liquefied natural gas.

In a dramatic radio transmission reviewed by Reuters, the ship's captain urgently called for assistance.

"Mayday mayday mayday. This is vessel Al Rekayyat, LNG vessel Al Rekayyat. We are being hit by drone on port side, top of engine room," the captain said.

"Status: engine room fire and full of smoke. Unable to assess further damage."

Qatar responded with fierce condemnations of Tehran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari described the attack as an assault on global commerce and maritime security.

He called it "an unacceptable attack on the security of international navigation and global energy supplies" and "a clear violation of international law."

Al Ansari urged Iran to immediately stop actions threatening regional security and said Doha held Tehran "fully legally responsible" for the attack and any consequences arising from it.

Alongside the Qatari LNG carrier, a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker believed to be the supertanker Wedyan also sustained damage off the coast of Oman. The exact cause of the damage remains unclear, and authorities have not confirmed whether it was struck by a projectile or drone.

SHIPPING ROUTE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The latest attacks are the first reported against commercial shipping since nationwide mourning began in Iran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the US-Israeli conflict earlier this year.

Iran has since tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz, where it is seeking to establish a permanent system to collect transit fees from commercial vessels.

The attacks also come despite a 60-day interim ceasefire reached last month between Washington and Tehran. The agreement temporarily halted fighting and was intended to create space for negotiations on a broader peace deal.

However, indirect talks held in Qatar last week ended without any breakthrough.