Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Hormuz Vessel Strike Raises Global Oil Supply Fears
A ship was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile while traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials did not yet know how badly the ship was damaged or whether its crew was safe.
Saudi Arabia also temporarily closed an important oil pipeline after a drone attack.
The pipeline can carry millions of barrels of oil each day.
This raised concerns that less oil could reach countries around the world.
Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel, and U.S. diesel prices went above $6 per gallon.
Saudi Arabia asked the United States for help against Houthi forces.
The United States said it would provide intelligence but would not directly join the fighting for now.
Iran and regional countries planned to discuss the Strait of Hormuz in Oman.
UKMTO reported that an unknown projectile struck a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, with damage and crew conditions unconfirmed.
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its 1,200-kilometre East-West pipeline after a drone attack that Riyadh and Baghdad said originated in Iraq.
The pipeline had carried 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil daily, equivalent to about 4% to 5% of global supply.
Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel, while U.S. retail diesel prices surpassed $6 per gallon amid fears of wider disruptions.
Saudi Arabia sought U.S. military assistance against the Houthis, while Washington offered intelligence support but declined direct intervention for now.
- Who
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported the vessel incident; Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States, Oman, Iraq and Houthi forces were involved in related developments.
- What
- An unknown projectile struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack.
- When
- The vessel incident was reported on Sunday, September 13; the pipeline closure was announced the previous day, and a regional meeting was planned for Monday.
- Where
- The vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline incident occurred south of Medina, while a separate Houthi projectile injured people in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region.
- Why
- The incidents increased concerns about disruptions to oil shipments and global energy supplies during the widening regional conflict.
Saudi and U.S. Position
Iranian and Houthi Position
Responsibility for the pipeline attack
Saudi and U.S. Position
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran was probably responsible, while Saudi Arabia and Iraq said the drone attack originated in Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias operate.
Iranian and Houthi Position
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the pipeline attack, and the vessel strike was not attributed to a specific party.
U.S. military involvement
Saudi and U.S. Position
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested U.S. military assistance against the Houthis; Washington declined direct intervention for now but offered intelligence support.
Iranian and Houthi Position
Houthi representatives reportedly asked the United States not to become directly involved in the conflict.
Control and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Saudi and U.S. Position
Washington rejects Iran’s demand that Iranian control of the strait be recognized and that Iran be allowed to collect fees from ships.
Iranian and Houthi Position
Iran says the strait will not reopen unless conditions conveyed to the United States are met, including recognition of Iranian control and toll-collection rights. An Iranian official said the Oman meeting was unlikely to produce a signed agreement.
- Vessel incident
- UKMTO reported that a projectile struck a vessel moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Vessel condition
- The extent of damage and the crew’s status were unknown when the report was issued.
- East-West pipeline
- Saudi Arabia temporarily closed the 1,200-kilometre pipeline as a precaution after a drone attack.
- Pipeline capacity
- The pipeline had been carrying 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day, or about 4% to 5% of global supply.
- Energy prices
- Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel and U.S. retail diesel prices exceeded $6 per gallon.
- U.S. response
- Washington declined direct military intervention against the Houthis for now but offered intelligence support.
- Planned meeting
- Iran, Gulf Arab states, Oman and Iraq were expected to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz in Oman.
Sources
New report of attack on Strait of Hormuz shipping fans fears of threats to oil supplies
Vessel Struck By "Unknown Projectile" In Strait Of Hormuz: UK Maritime Agency
Strait Of Hormuz Ship Hit By Projectile, Global Oil Supply Fears Rise After Saudi Pipeline Attack
'Unknown projectile' strikes commercial vessel in Strait of Hormuz