Three additional vessels struck by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating commerce ships continue in the firing line.

Shipping over the narrow strait has come to a virtual stop since the United States and Israel started operations against Iran on February 28.

DUBAI (Reuters) – Three additional ships have been damaged by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, marine security and risk businesses said on Wednesday, raising the total number of ships attacked in the region since the Iran crisis began to at least 14.

Shipping via the narrow strait has come to a near halt since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, preventing deliveries of about a fifth of the world’s oil supply and sending global oil prices skyrocketing to levels not seen since 2022.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship going through the Strait will be attacked.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to escalate US assaults on Iran if Tehran continues to impede the passage.

The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk carrier was attacked by “two projectiles of unknown origin” while passing through the Strait on Wednesday, triggering a fire and damaging the engine room, according to the ship’s Thai-listed operator, Precious Shipping.Precious Shipping stated that three crew members are missing and presumed to be trapped in the engine room.The firm is working with the appropriate authorities to locate these three missing crew members,” it added, adding that the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and were already onshore in Oman.

The Thai navy posted images showing smoke coming from the ship’s rear.

Iran’s Guards stated in a statement posted by the Tasnim news agency that the ship was “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” implying the Guards’ first direct confrontation after previously firing missiles or drones.

Since the commencement of the assault on Iran, the US Navy has declined requests from the shipping sector for armed escorts across the Strait of Hormuz, citing the high danger of attacks, according to people familiar with the situation.

Trump has stated that the US is ready to offer naval escorts whenever required.