Three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the British military said, in the latest attacks targeting vessels moving through the narrow mouth of the Gulf.
The attacks threatened to choke off traffic through the strait just as countries had hoped to restore normal shipping practices and ease the global economic strain of the war between the US and Iran.
One tanker was travelling off the coast of Oman and caught fire, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre.
Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings, but did not directly claim responsibility for the assault.
Two other tankers were also hit, including one that was struck by a drone. It was not immediately clear where they were at the time of the attacks.
Both ships sustained some damage, but no injuries were reported, the maritime agency said. At least one of the vessels continued on its way.
Tehran, which has repeatedly declared that only its approved route through the strait is safe, is suspected of attacking other ships that have used another route close to the Omani shore.
