Multiple reports of tanker and Hormuz Strait vessel attacks near Saudi Arabia

Two vessels reported being struck in separate incidents near Saudi Arabia and the Strait of Hormuz on the 2nd, per UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) alerts 191-26 and 192-26. A tanker sailing 72 nautical miles east of Ras al-Kuways was hit by two unidentified projectiles on its port side at 8:47 a.m. Korea time, with all crew accounted for and no environmental damage reported. An earlier incident was reported in the Strait of Hormuz at 12:09 a.m. Korea time, relayed via radio by a nearby merchant vessel's captain. The attacks raise geopolitical risk premiums on Gulf energy shipping, with implications for crude oil freight rates, insurance costs, and tanker equities. Authorities are investigating, and nearby vessels have been advised to proceed with caution; watch for further UKMTO advisories, claims of responsibility, and any disruption to Hormuz transit volumes.