DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A liquefied natural gas carrier sailing near Oman's coast in the Strait of Hormuz burst into flames early Tuesday after a projectile struck it, according to British military officials.

The incident marks the newest assault on shipping in this critical chokepoint at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, a route once handling one-fifth of global oil and gas trade during calmer times. Iranian state media reported the vessel ignored repeated warnings before the strike but stopped short of claiming responsibility.

Tehran has long insisted vessels must stick to its designated path through the strait and faces suspicion over prior incidents involving ships using a route closer to Oman.

Washington seeks to advance talks with Iran to reopen the waterway fully, curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions and secure a lasting peace after the conflict that began February 28. Earlier strikes here have triggered U.S. responses followed by Iranian actions against Gulf Arab nations, heightening escalation fears.

Discussions between the two sides remain paused pending the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, slain early in the fighting. Growing signs point to mourners demanding the death of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Khamenei's remains were flown overnight to the seminary city of Qom, where crowds paid respects Tuesday.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported the strike occurred near Limah, Oman. The projectile impacted the port side as the ship headed south toward the Gulf of Oman.

Officials noted no environmental damage and confirmed an ongoing investigation.

Iranian state television, citing unnamed sources, suggested Tehran targeted the vessel carrying Qatari gas, though no formal admission came from the Islamic Republic.

Iran's joint military command last Thursday ordered all tankers to follow approved routes and warned U.S. interference would prompt swift retaliation.

Meanwhile, the Joint Maritime Information Center, backed by the U.S. Navy, informed shippers Monday that the Omani route has expanded and stays open to all traffic.

Trump warned Iran from the White House on Monday that they must reach an agreement or face consequences. He stated a preference for a deal to avoid harming 91 million people and noted U.S. forces could destroy bridges or energy infrastructure rapidly.

An interim accord between Iran and the United States permitted fee-free passage for 60 days, yet Tehran demands route control and future tolls, disrupting long-standing norms.

The United States and Gulf Arab nations reject any Iranian fees for strait transit. Earlier attempts by Oman and a UN body to establish a new path near Oman triggered regional attacks, underscoring ongoing strains.

Data from Kpler showed at least 108 vessels crossed the strait over the weekend via multiple paths.

Iranian state television broadcast live helicopter footage Tuesday morning of vast crowds heading to Jamkaran Mosque south of Qom for Khamenei's funeral rites. Shiites associate the site with the 12th imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who vanished in the ninth century and is expected to return with justice.

Banners displayed images of Khamenei and his son, the new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The younger Khamenei has not appeared at events spanning several days and is reportedly in hiding after sustaining wounds in the strike that killed his father.

During the conflict before the April ceasefire, Israel struck senior Iranian figures, sometimes using public events for targeting, and has threatened the son.

Authorities have restricted streets, airspace and routines for mourning that started Saturday and concludes Thursday with burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Khamenei was 86.