Iranian state television said a (Qatari) LNG tanker was attacked after ignoring warnings to use the Islamic regime’s approved shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively implying the IRGC carried out the strike.

The tanker was hit on its port side around 1:19 a.m. Tuesday, about 8 nautical miles off Limah, Oman, while transiting south out of the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO said there were no casualties or environmental damage, and authorities have opened an investigation.

The vessel has been widely identified as the Al Rekayyat, an LNG tanker owned and managed by Nakilat, Qatar’s state shipping company. Officials have not yet formally confirmed the vessel’s identity.

Reports say the ship had its AIS turned off for several days before the strike. It was reportedly using the U.S. Oman transit route, not the route designated by the Islamic regime.

A U.S. official told Axios that the IRGC fired at least 2 missiles at commercial ships Monday night, damaging 2 vessels without causing casualties. Last week, the Islamic regime’s joint military command warned that tankers refusing to use its approved routes would face an “immediate and forceful response.” The strike comes during the 60 day interim U.S. Iran maritime arrangement, which allows commercial vessels to pass through Hormuz without paying transit fees. President Trump has repeatedly warned the Islamic regime against attacking commercial shipping.

Oil markets moved higher after the reports, with Brent near $73 a barrel and WTI above $69. LNG buyers in Asia and Europe are watching closely because Qatar is one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, and Hormuz remains a critical route for global energy supplies.

Several details remain under investigation, including the projectile used and final confirmation of the vessel involved.

If the reports are confirmed, a U.S. response is now a real possibility. President Trump has warned the Islamic regime against attacking ships. The question is whether that response will be enough to deter the next strike.