The United Nations has suspended its evacuation operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a targeted attack on a commercial tanker, as the Royal Navy placed warships on standby to protect Gulf shipping, diplomatic sources confirmed.
A vessel registered under the Liberian flag was struck by an unidentified projectile early this morning, approximately 12 nautical miles off the coast of Fujairah. The attack, which caused a fire but no casualties, prompted the UN to halt its ongoing non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) for foreign nationals stranded in the region. The suspension underscores the fragility of maritime security in a waterway that carries about 20% of the world’s oil.
Whitehall officials stated that HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, and HMS Montrose, a frigate, have been repositioned to provide escort and protection for British-flagged shipping. A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed that they are “working closely with international partners to ensure freedom of navigation.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint between Oman and Iran, has been a flashpoint for weeks following increased Iranian naval exercises and a series of detentions of commercial vessels by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The UN had initiated the evacuation to reduce the risk to civilians from the escalating confrontation between Iran and a coalition of Western states led by the United States.
“The decision to pause the evacuation was taken after a thorough risk assessment. The safety of personnel is our paramount concern,” a UN official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions after Iran was accused of being behind the seizure of two oil tankers last month. Tehran has denied involvement but has warned that it will close the strait if its oil exports are blocked by sanctions.
The United Kingdom has reinforced its naval presence in the Gulf in recent weeks, joining the US-led Operation Sentinel. The Royal Navy’s primary mission is to de-escalate the situation while ensuring that commercial traffic continues unimpeded.
Analysts have warned that any military confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a sharp increase in global oil prices and disrupt supply chains. The Energy Institute noted that a prolonged closure would have severe consequences for energy security.
The UN has not yet set a timeline for resuming evacuations. A spokesman said the organisation is consulting with member states to assess the situation. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy is conducting enhanced patrols and has advised all British-flagged vessels to implement additional security measures.
The incident is likely to dominate discussions at the UN Security Council, where the United States has called for an emergency session. European Union foreign ministers are also scheduled to meet to coordinate a response, with many concerned about the risk of a broader conflict.
As the situation remains fluid, maritime insurers have raised premiums for vessels transiting the strait, and several shipping companies have rerouted or paused operations. The international community is watching closely for any further escalation that could draw in regional powers.
