The Iranian supertanker "Starfish III" emitted thick smoke in the eastern Gulf of Oman, with severe damage to its chimney.

According to information disclosed by various sources, on May 8, a fighter jet launched from a U.S. aircraft carrier carried out precision strikes against this oil tanker and another vessel named the “Safda.”

Fortunately, the ships were not carrying cargo at the time. The U.S. explained that the purpose of the operation was not to sink the vessels, but to temporarily “immobilize” them.

The incident occurred in the eastern Gulf of Oman, very close to the Strait of Hormuz. Following the incident, a chain reaction quickly ensued: according to a statement from U.S. Central Command, more than 50 merchant ships have been ordered to change course, and some vessels have had their freedom of navigation restricted.

When passing through this area, merchant ships often become high-risk “passengers” in the geopolitical game. From various drone reconnaissance activities to underwater uncertainties, the risks to shipping lanes have never truly been far away.

Although all parties are calling for de-escalation, the fragility of the shipping environment still leaves industry professionals unable to let their guard down.

For the crew members stranded in the Gulf region—facing disrupted supplies and hindered crew rotations—their plight appears particularly dire behind the headlines.

For us in the international logistics industry, this incident is not merely “major international news”; it is a direct test of supply chain resilience.