A Saudi oil tanker named ‘Cedar’ was reportedly stopped while passing through the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Fars reported that the tanker was suddenly halted while sailing through the strategic waterway. The vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) was also reportedly activated unexpectedly during the incident.

According to the report, the Saudi tanker has the capacity to carry up to 2 million barrels of oil, making the reported incident significant for global energy markets.

UK Maritime Agency Confirms Incident

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed receiving a report concerning an oil tanker and military forces in the area.

However, Fars News did not clarify whether the incident reported by UKMTO involved the same Saudi tanker, leaving some uncertainty over the exact circumstances surrounding the vessel.

The lack of confirmation has added to concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes.

Hormuz Tensions Keep Markets Alert

The reported incident comes as tensions in the region remain high following renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. Any prolonged disruption in the Strait could have a major impact on global oil supplies and prices.

The waterway is a key route for international energy shipments, with a significant share of the world's oil passing through it.

Markets are now closely monitoring developments, particularly any further incidents involving oil tankers or military forces in the region.