The Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was struck and damaged about 11 nautical miles north of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Twenty sailors were rescued, but three remain missing, Thai authorities said.

A second ship, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, was hit by a projectile 50 miles north-west of Dubai. The vessel suffered hull damage but all crew members are safe.

A third vessel, a Japan-flagged container ship, sustained minor damage near the United Arab Emirates.

It was not immediately clear who launched the projectiles, or whether they were drones or missiles. However Iran has claimed control of the shipping lane, a critical route for global oil shipments, and threatened to strike any vessel passing through it.

The regime is seeking to pressure the US by destabilising the global economy. Oil prices swung sharply after the attacks, and the International Energy Agency reportedly proposed the largest-ever release of oil reserves.

The US said it had destroyed 16 boats amid reports that Tehran had begun placing mines in the Strait.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said the strikes were part of the “most intense” raid on Iran since the war began on Feb 28.