Iranian missile strikes US-contracted vessel near Strait of Hormuz

A US-contracted vessel came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week after Iranian drones and at least one missile targeted the ship, leaving several crew members with minor injuries, US media reported on Wednesday.

Fox News, citing two people familiar with the incident, reported that four Iranian drones were involved in the attack along with at least one missile. One of the projectiles struck the vessel directly as it was navigating the strategically important waterway.

Several crew members reportedly suffered minor injuries, including from smoke inhalation, and were receiving medical treatment in an unspecified Gulf country. The vessel was also carrying several US nationals when the attack took place, according to the report.

The reported strike comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with military hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, continuing to affect security across the Gulf and surrounding region.

The conflict has also raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors. The narrow waterway typically handles about one-fifth of global petroleum and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption there a potential concern for international energy markets.

The latest incident adds to a series of maritime confrontations reported around the strait. Iran has previously accused vessels of involvement in activities linked to the conflict, while US military operations in the region have targeted Iranian facilities and positions that Washington has described as threats to commercial navigation and regional security.

The reported attack has not been officially confirmed by either the US or Iranian governments. Details about the vessel, the identities of those injured and the precise circumstances of the strike remain unclear.