Three commercial cargo vessels have been struck near the Strait of Hormuz in a series of maritime incidents reported by British authorities, heightening concern over the security of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the vessels were hit by projectiles of unknown origin in waters near Iran and the Gulf of Oman, including one attack inside the Strait of Hormuz itself.

The incidents occurred amid rapidly escalating regional tensions and represent the latest disruption to maritime traffic passing through the narrow waterway.

One of the vessels, the Thai-registered bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, suffered the most severe damage after being struck by two projectiles while sailing roughly eleven nautical miles north of Oman.

The attack caused a fire in the ship’s engine room, forcing the majority of the crew to evacuate.

Omani naval forces assisted with the evacuation, while a small group remained onboard to manage the damaged vessel.

Two other ships were also struck during the same period.

A Japanese-owned container vessel known as One Majesty reported damage from a suspected projectile, while the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth sustained more limited impact but remained operational.

Initial reports indicated that no crew members were killed, though some sailors required medical assistance after the incidents.

The attacks come amid intensifying hostilities in the Middle East following military operations involving Israel and Iran.

Tehran has warned that shipping connected to countries it considers hostile could be targeted, and Iranian forces have previously threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict continues.

The strategic waterway, which separates Iran from Oman and the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most important energy corridors in the world.

Roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments normally pass through the strait each day, making any disruption to maritime traffic a major concern for international trade and energy markets.

Security incidents in the region have increased sharply since the start of the current confrontation.

Maritime monitoring agencies say more than a dozen attacks or attempted strikes on commercial vessels have been recorded in recent weeks, prompting many shipping companies to reconsider whether to send ships through the area.

The latest strikes have further reduced shipping activity through the strait, with many vessels waiting in safer waters or diverting routes to avoid the risk of attack.

War-risk insurance costs have surged and several energy producers have begun exploring alternative transport routes where possible.

Naval forces from multiple countries are monitoring the situation closely as concerns grow that further attacks could endanger global trade and push energy prices higher.

Maritime security agencies have urged ship operators to exercise extreme caution while navigating waters near Iran and the Gulf of Oman.