Gulf of Oman incident sparks rumours: Are ships on fire near Strait of Hormuz amid Iran-Israel escalation?

Unverified reports circulated on social media on Tuesday suggesting that at least three ships were on fire in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, adding a dramatic twist to ongoing Iran-Israel tensions.

The claims, supported by photos purporting to show smoke and flames, come amid growing worries about the stability of a key waterway — through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil flows — and the potential for escalation in the region.

ET has not been able to independently verify these reports.

What British maritime security firm Ambrey said

British maritime security firm Ambrey addressed the incident near Khor Fakkan in the UAE, stating the cause was “not security-related.”

The incident — which unfolded about 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, close to the Strait of Hormuz — came at a delicate time, as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel.

The two enemies have exchanged attacks for a fifth consecutive day, following a series of Israeli strikes on Iran last Friday, meant to deter Tehran from developing an atomic weapon.

Unverified photos spark rumours

Some social media users were quick to draw dramatic conclusions from the photos in circulation.

“Photos are currently circulating which appear to show three ships on fire off the coast of Iran in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) Map appearing to confirm three fires in the Gulf of Oman,” a post on X read.


Another account added: “According to NASA FIRMS, there are three heat signatures coming from vessels in the Gulf of Oman, entering the Straight of Hormuz.”

ET checked the FIRMS map and did not find such blots in the Gulf of Oman at the time of filing this story.

Why the Gulf of Oman is a key flashpoint

The Gulf of Oman is a strategically crucial waterway that connects the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, at its mouth, is a choke point for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil. Iran’s ability to close this strait could affect not just Israel and the USA, but energy markets globally.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, speaking through media outlets, insisted that the USA remained “postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal.”

In a social media post, Trump called for everyone to" immediately evacuate Tehran”, alleging Iran had rebuffed a deal to curb its nuclear program.