Cargo ship struck in Strait of Hormuz as Trump claims Iran talks could reopen vital waterway

A cargo vessel has been hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, even as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed negotiations with Iran could lead to the waterway reopening within hours.

The incident occurred early Tuesday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which said the vessel was struck off the coast of Oman. The agency did not identify the ship or provide details on the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties, adding that investigations are ongoing.

The development comes amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran following months of conflict that began after U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. Although both sides reached a ceasefire and a preliminary agreement, diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a lasting settlement.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, President Trump said discussions with Iran were ongoing and suggested the Strait of Hormuz could reopen “literally by tomorrow.” He also said negotiations were focused on Iran’s nuclear programme, although he acknowledged that resolving that issue could take longer.

Trump said the decision to continue diplomatic engagement followed requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other regional partners. He also warned that Iran was facing its “last chance” to reach an agreement while maintaining that the United States remained prepared to increase pressure if talks failed.

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place, contradicting Trump’s assertion that discussions were already underway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute. The narrow waterway is a critical route for global oil and gas exports, and renewed tensions there have repeatedly threatened international energy supplies and maritime security.

Iran has insisted that vessels coordinate their passage through the strait with its authorities and has directed ships to follow routes closer to its coastline. Many commercial vessels have instead opted for a southern route near Oman to reduce potential risks.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is discussing alternative maritime routes with Oman but stressed that those talks are not aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest attack on a commercial vessel underscores the fragile security situation in the region and the continuing uncertainty surrounding efforts to ease tensions through diplomacy.