Dubai: A bulk carrier operating in the Gulf of Oman reported an explosion on Sunday after an unidentified projectile landed in close proximity to the vessel, according to a British maritime watchdog.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometres) north of the Emirati city of Sharjah. Despite the blast, the agency confirmed that the vessel sustained no significant damage and the crew remained unharmed.

"Bulk Carrier reported an explosion from an unknown projectile in close proximity to the vessel," the UKMTO reported, adding that "all crew are reported safe."

U.S. Ultimatum on Hormuz

The maritime disturbance coincides with a dramatic escalation in rhetoric from Washington. On Saturday night, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, demanding the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or face the systematic destruction of its domestic energy infrastructure.

The strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas transits, has been effectively disrupted since the onset of the conflict on Feb. 28.

"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

With inputs from AFP