A Togo-flagged oil tanker caught fire and stopped after being targeted by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claimed the vessel Trend attempted an "illegal passage" through the waterway, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported another tanker was struck by an unknown projectile, causing a deck fire that was later extinguished. A third strike occurred on Sept. 16, with all crews from the three attacks over a 48 hour period reported safe.

The IRGC Navy also launched approximately 4 anti-ship cruise missiles toward the strait. Explosions from the launch were heard in coastal areas of southern Iran, and the IRGC warned that any unauthorized vessel passage through the strategic waterway would result in the "destruction" of the vessel.

Shipping risks in the waterway have intensified as Saudi Arabia increases oil exports through the strait following the shutdown of the East-West pipeline and Houthi blockades of the Bab el-Mandeb. The Joint Maritime Information Center reported an uptick in escorted tankers using the CENTCOM protected southern channel, and the UKMTO issued two advisories on Sept. 18 following reports of vessels being struck while transiting the strait.