---
title: "Merchant vessels hit by gunfire in Gulf amid military activity"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/merchant-vessels-hit-by-gunfire-in-gulf-amid-military-activity"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/merchant-vessels-hit-by-gunfire-in-gulf-amid-military-activity"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/merchant-vessels-hit-by-gunfire-in-gulf-amid-military-activity.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/merchant-vessels-hit-by-gunfire-in-gulf-amid-military-activity"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-09-09T12:05:11.916Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-09T11:29:08.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-09T12:05:11.916Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-09T12:00:45.923769+00:00"
---

# Merchant vessels hit by gunfire in Gulf amid military activity

*UK Maritime Trade Operations reports multiple ships targeted; Iran claims responsibility for some attacks.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to UKMTO, with two full reports and multiple independent outlets corroborating.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reports include details on location, timing, and source of information, with some quoting affected parties.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use strong language like 'attack' and 'fire' but the body often qualifies the extent of damage.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Several merchant vessels in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman were targeted by gunfire during military activity, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
- The UKMTO stated it was unable to confirm any casualties or environmental impacts from the incidents.
- Some reports indicate Iran claimed to have attacked vessels in response to US actions.
- One tanker captain reported seeing a tilted vessel, possibly indicating water entry after an unknown projectile attack.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that several merchant vessels in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman were targeted by gunfire during military activity. The incidents occurred overnight. The UKMTO stated it was unable to confirm casualties or environmental impacts.

## Divergent claims on attacks

Some outlets report Iran claiming to have attacked a number of vessels. For example, Anadolu Ajansı reported that Tehran said it targeted eight oil tankers after US strikes on Iranian vessels. Free Malaysia Today News stated Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf in response to the US attack on Iranian tankers. Alpha TV and Dialogos.com.cy reported Iran claimed it targeted about twenty vessels. Mehr News Agency reported that several cargo ships were disabled during ongoing military attacks in the Persian Gulf region. However, the UKMTO itself did not attribute the attacks to any specific actor.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports mentioned a tanker captain seeing a tilted vessel possibly indicating water entry after an unknown projectile attack. None of the centre-rated reports mentioned a tanker captain seeing a tilted vessel possibly indicating water entry after an unknown projectile attack.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 17 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 12% (2)
- Centre: 17% (3)
- Right: 71% (12)

27 of 44 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-09T12:00:45.923769+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-09T12:15:30.123Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The two left-rated reports focused on the UKMTO's announcement of merchant vessels being targeted by disabling fire during military activity in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman. SANA, which provided a full report, stated that the UKMTO announced the targeting of commercial vessels in the region, leading to their stoppage. SANA also reported that the UKMTO was unable to confirm casualties or environmental damage. Al-Monitor, a digest, also reported the UKMTO's statement about vessels being hit by disabling fire during military activity overnight.

### Centre

- The three centre-rated reports highlighted the UKMTO's report of merchant vessels being hit by disabling fire in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman amid military activity. Devdiscourse mentioned the strikes underscore heightened military tensions in the region. Reuters noted that a tanker carrying fuel oil was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters, in addition to the UKMTO report of several merchant vessels being hit by disabling fire overnight. WTVB also reported the UKMTO's statement on vessels being hit by disabling fire during overnight military activity.

### Right

- The right-rated reports frequently mentioned Iran's claims of attacking vessels in response to US actions, alongside the UKMTO's report. Aftenposten's headline stated several ships were on fire in the Persian Gulf, calling it the largest attack on shipping since the war began. It reported Iran said it attacked 20 ships after the US sank Iranian oil tankers. Anadolu Ajansı reported that Tehran said it targeted eight oil tankers after US strikes on Iranian vessels. Free Malaysia Today News stated Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf in response to the US attack on Iranian tankers. Other right-rated outlets, such as ARY News and Cyprus Mail, also included Iran's claim of attacking 20 ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Tribunnews.com reported that a number of merchant vessels were hit by crippling gunfire amid US-Iran escalation. Iefimerida reported that 20 merchant ships were targeted in Hormuz. Mehr News Agency reported that several cargo ships were disabled during ongoing military attacks in the Persian Gulf region.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 7
- high: 8
- unknown: 28
- veryHigh: 1

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Alpha TV](https://alphatv.gr/kosmos/pira-kata-emporikon-ploion) — Fire Against Merchant Ships
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3048644/irao-varios-navios-em-chamas-na-regiao-do-golfo-agencia-maritima) — Several Ships on Fire in the Gulf Region
- [SANA](https://sana.sy/international/2576417) — British Authority: Commercial Vessels Under Fire North of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
- [Rzeczpospolita](https://rp.pl/konflikty-zbrojne/art45117281-nocne-ataki-na-statki-handlowe-rosnie-napiecie-w-rejonie-ciesniny-ormuz) — Nighttime Attacks on Merchant Ships. Tensions Are Rising in the Strait of Hormuz.
- [Aftenposten](https://aftenposten.no/verden/i/43l6MV/flere-skip-i-brann-i-persiabukta-stoerste-angrep-paa-skipstrafikken-siden-krigen-begynte) — Several Ships on Fire in the Persian Gulf – Largest Attack on Shipping Since the War Began
- [Tribunnews.com](https://tribunnews.com/internasional/7880234/sejumlah-kapal-dagang-dihantam-tembakan-di-teluk-arab-dan-teluk-oman-di-tengah-eskalasi-as-iran) — Several Merchant Ships Hit by Gunfire in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, Amid US-Iran Escalation
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-in-arabian-gulf-gulf-of-oman-ukmto/4051923) — Several Merchant Vessels Hit by Disabling Fire in Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman: UKMTO
- [dialogos.com.cy](https://dialogos.com.cy/arketa-ploia-ston-kolpo-stis-floges-symfona-me-naytiliaki-ypiresia-sto-iv) — Several Ships in the Gulf on Fire, According to UK Shipping Agency
- [ARY News](https://arynews.tv/maritime-watchdog-several-vessels-on-fire-in-gulf-war) — Maritime watchdog says several vessels on fire in Gulf amid war
- [belta.by](https://belta.by/world/view/ukmto-soobschil-o-novoj-atake-na-suda-v-persidskom-zalive-800140-2026) — UKMTO Reported a New Attack on Ships in the Persian Gulf
- [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/nyheter/flere-handelsskip-i-brann-i-persiabukta-etter-angrep/s/80-95-65018) — Several Merchant Ships on Fire in the Persian Gulf After Attack
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1328607/ukmto-emporika-plia-eghinan-stokhos-pirwn-ston-kolpo-kai-ton-kolpo-toy-oman) — UKMTO: Commercial Ships Targeted in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [LaProvence.com](https://laprovence.com/article/france-monde/2019615643557614/guerre-au-moyen-orient-plusieurs-navires-en-feu-dans-le-golfe-annoncent-les-britanniques) — War in the Middle East: Several Ships on Fire in the Gulf, British Announce
- [OnAlert](https://onalert.gr/kosmos/stoxos-pyron-emporika-ploia-ston-persiko-kai-ton-kolpo-tou-oman/818250) — Commercial Ships Targeted in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/551580/emporika-ploia-eginan-stoxos-pyron-ston-persiko-kai-ton-kolpo-tou-oman) — Commercial Ships Targeted in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/09/09/emporika-ploia-chtypithikan-ston-persiko-kolpo-kai-ton-kolpo-toy-oman) — Merchant Ships Hit in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [NEWSru.co.il](https://newsru.co.il/mideast/9sep2026/ukmto_202.html) — UKMTO: Large-Scale Attack on Ships in the U.S.-Iranian Conflict Zone
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/stohos-pyron-emporika-ploia-ston-kolpo) — Target Merchant Ships in Gulf and Gulf of Oman - iefimerida.gr
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/230933_epitheseis-se-emporika-ploia-ston-kolpo-kai-ton-kolpo-toy-oman-symfona-me-ukmto) — Gunfire Attacks on Merchant Ships in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [Insider Paper](https://insiderpaper.com/maritime-watchdog-says-several-vessels-on-fire-in-gulf-amid-war) — Maritime watchdog says several vessels on fire in Gulf amid war
- [MARINE & OCÉANS](https://marine-oceans.com/actualites/iran-etats-unis-plusieurs-navires-en-feu-dans-le-golfe-agence-maritime) — Iran/United States: Several Ships on Fire in the Gulf (Marine Agency)
- [cphpost.dk](https://cphpost.dk/2026-09-09/general/merchant-ships-fired-on-in-persian-gulf-gulf-of-oman) — Merchant ships fired on in Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman - The Copenhagen Post
- [Devdiscourse](https://devdiscourse.com/article/business/3974827-tensions-ignite-in-gulf-waters-merchant-vessels-hit) — Tensions Ignite in Gulf Waters: Merchant Vessels Hit
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/world/europe/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-gulf-gulf-oman-2026-09-09) — Oil tanker hit in Iraqi waters, as vessels get caught in US-Iran attacks
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/09/09/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-in-gulf-and-gulf-of-oman) — Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [fararu.com](https://fararu.com/fa/news/1000767/%DA%AF%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B4-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%86-%DA%86%D9%86%D8%AF%DB%8C%D9%86-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AC-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3) — Reports of Multiple Ships Being Targeted in the Persian Gulf
- [berlingske.dk](https://berlingske.dk/internationalt/handelsskibe-meldes-beskudt-i-den-persiske-golf-og-omanbugten) — Merchant Ships Reported Fired upon in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [Cyprus Mail](https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/09/09/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-in-gulf-and-gulf-of-oman) — Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [tabnak.ir](https://tabnak.ir/fa/news/1393610/%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%86-%DA%86%D9%86%D8%AF%DB%8C%D9%86-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AC-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3) — Aims to Seize Several Ships in Persian Gulf
- [Kristeligt Dagblad](https://kristeligt-dagblad.dk/udland/handelsskibe-meldes-beskudt-i-den-persiske-golf-og-omanbugten) — Merchant Ships Reported Fired upon in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [BT](https://bt.dk/udland/handelsskibe-meldes-beskudt-i-den-persiske-golf-og-omanbugten) — Merchant Ships Reported Fired upon in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/europe/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-in-gulf-and-gulf-of-oman) — Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [The Sunday Guardian Live](https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/us-israel-iran-war-live-news-ukmto-reports-attacks-continue-on-shipping-in-transit-routes-in-gulf-and-several-cargo-ships-disabled-in-ongoing-attacks-280676) — US-Israel-Iran War Live News: UKMTO Reports Attacks Continue on Shipping in Transit Routes in Gulf and ‘Several’ Cargo Ships Disabled in Ongoing Attacks
- [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/09/09/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-in-gulf-and-gulf-of-oman) — Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [Mehr News Agency](https://en.mehrnews.com/news/247598/UKMTO-reports-several-cargo-ships-disabled-in-PG-attacks) — UKMTO reports several cargo ships disabled in PG attacks
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.com/middle-east/several-merchant-vessels-hit-in-gulf-and-gulf-of-oman-ukmto-says-3001039) — Several merchant vessels hit in Gulf and Gulf of Oman, UKMTO says
- [arabtimesonline.com](https://arabtimesonline.com/news/several-merchant-vessels-hit-by-disabling-fire-in-persian-gulf-gulf-of-oman) — Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman
- [The Arabian Stories News](https://thearabianstories.com/2026/09/09/several-vessels-disabled-in-northern-gulf-and-gulf-of-oman-ukmto-reports) — Several vessels disabled in northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman, UKMTO reports
- [Al-Monitor](https://al-monitor.com/originals/2026/09/several-merchant-vessels-hit-disabling-fire-gulf-and-gulf-oman) — Several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- [enikos.gr](https://enikos.gr/international/stena-tou-ormouz-proeidopoiisi-tis-ukmto-meta-apo-peristatiko-me-eboriko-ploio/2641105) — Strait of Hormuz: New UKMTO Warning After Incident with Merchant Ship
- [www.ertnews.gr](https://ertnews.gr/eidiseis/diethni/ukmto-anafora-gia-peristatiko-me-emporiko-ploio-sta-stena-tou-ormouz) — UKMTO: Report of Incident with Merchant Ship in the Strait of Hormuz
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/ac45b093b85ef24c) — UK reports merchant vessel incident in Hormuz
- [yenicaggazetesi.com](https://yenicaggazetesi.com/ingiltereden-hurmuz-bogazinda-operasyon-1069804h.htm) — British Operation in the Strait of Hormuz
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/ukmto-hurmuz-bogazi-nda-ticari-bir-gemiye-mudahale-20220403-haberi) — UKMTO Announced that a Commercial Vessel Was Intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz.

## Questions

**What did the UK Maritime Trade Operations report?**

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that several merchant vessels in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman were targeted by gunfire during military activity. They stated that they were unable to confirm any casualties or environmental impacts from the incidents.

**Did Iran claim responsibility for any attacks?**

Yes, some reports indicate Iran claimed to have attacked vessels. For instance, some outlets reported Iran stating it targeted approximately 20 ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with some claims linking these actions to US strikes.

**What details were reported about potential damage?**

The UKMTO stated it could not confirm casualties or environmental damage. One report mentioned a tanker captain observing a tilted vessel, which might suggest water entry following an attack by an unidentified projectile.

---

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