Iran is increasing its control over the Strait of Hormuz. According to Sina Finance, a fuel tanker named Amara repeatedly turned while trying to enter the Persian Gulf before stopping near Qeshm Island in Iran.

Ship-tracking data showed Amara entered the Persian Gulf on Monday without cargo, with its transponder switched on, and made at least five turns. The vessel is now stopped north of an Iran-approved transit lane.

Iranian media reported on Monday that a tanker belonging to a UAE company had been detained in the Strait of Hormuz, but did not disclose the owner's name. The reports also said vessels must pay a transit fee to pass through the strait.

Hours later, the British Navy reported that another vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room and killing one crew member. Over the past week, Iranian forces have stepped up hostile actions, and shipowners and charterers are increasingly worried about vessels transiting the strait, whether their transponders are on or off. According to the Joint Maritime Information Center, before the latest attack there had been seven attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz this month, including three since Friday.

Amara's technical and safety manager in the UAE had not responded to an email inquiry, and the Equasis maritime database did not list contact details for the owner.