Maritime security concerns intensified on Tuesday after a third commercial tanker was reportedly struck while passing through the Strait of Hormuz within a span of 24 hours. The latest incident follows two similar attacks that raised fresh concerns over the safety of vessels navigating the strategically important waterway.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the most recent tanker was hit by what is believed to be an unmanned aerial vehicle. According to the agency, the vessel suffered only limited structural damage, with no injuries to crew members or signs of pollution. The tanker was able to continue its voyage toward its scheduled destination.

Earlier attacks had already disrupted shipping in the region. One tanker reportedly caught fire after being struck while sailing near the coast of Oman. Another vessel also sustained damage during a separate incident, though no casualties were reported in that case either.

Reacting to the attacks, Qatar strongly condemned the reported targeting of its tanker, Al Rekayyat. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari described the incident as a serious breach of international law and an unacceptable threat to global maritime navigation and energy security. He said Qatar considers Iran legally responsible for the attack.

Iranian state media reported that the liquefied natural gas tanker had ignored official warnings before the incident but stopped short of explicitly acknowledging responsibility for the strike.

The attacks come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, Iran's joint military command warned that oil tankers should use only routes approved by Tehran while transiting the waterway. Iranian authorities also cautioned that any interference by US forces in the area would trigger a swift military response.

Although a 14-point ceasefire agreement signed between the United States and Iran last month has largely reduced direct hostilities, maritime security agencies continue to classify the threat level in the region as substantial. More than 200 commercial vessels reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the past week despite the ongoing security concerns.

Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran remains on hold until the completion of funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The funeral has drawn massive crowds, with some mourners voicing anti-US slogans, adding to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the region.