Fires Break Out On Three Ships Near One Of The World’s Most Important Choke Points

At least three ships may be on fire in the Gulf of Oman, close to the Strait of Hormuz, near Iranian waters, according to unverified satellite data and reports. This comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

According to social media users and satellite data, large flames were spotted around 22 nautical miles off the coast of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates. UK-based maritime security company Ambrey said it was aware of an “incident” involving a vessel in that area, though the cause remains unclear.

Ambrey told Reuters that the event was not believed to be related to security issues or any ongoing regional conflict. No further details were provided by the firm at the time of reporting.

Satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) appeared to support the claims, showing three active fire zones in the same region on Tuesday. These fires were not recorded in previous days, suggesting they are recent and possibly linked to the alleged maritime incident.

– Reports indicate that three vessels, believed to be oil tankers, caught fire in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, close to Iran’s coast.

NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) has detected heat signatures from three locations in the… pic.twitter.com/1rEa79sUuw

— The Informant (@theinformant_x) June 17, 2025

Images circulating on social media showed large fires and smoke rising from the sea. Some users claimed the pictures showed ships or tankers on fire near Iranian waters, though these claims could not be independently verified.

Neither Iranian officials nor authorities in the United Arab Emirates have commented publicly on the reports. There has also been no response from the Khor Fakkan container terminal or the Emirati foreign ministry as of early Tuesday.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes. About 20% of global oil supply, roughly 17.8 to 20.8 million barrels of crude and fuels per day, passes through the narrow waterway, according to data from energy analytics firm Vortexa.

Israel launched strikes on Iran last Friday, June 13, targeting, nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production sites and military commanders. Israel said the goal of the strikes was to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Iran, however, has denied any intention to build nuclear weapons and has previously threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz in response to Western pressure.

References: Republic world, news18

Source: Maritime Shipping News