Yemen’s transportation ministry, part of the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government, accused ​the Iran-backed Houthis of carrying out the ​attack by using a boat laden with explosives, Reuters news agency reported.

The group have not commented on the incident.

The Houthis announced what it called a blockade on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports on 20 July.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations ⁠agency has reported several attacks on ships in the region over the past week.

Despite this, oil prices fell to a three-week low on Tuesday as senior US officials raised hopes of a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In June, the US and Iran agreed on a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to halt military operations and reopen the Strait, as well as to reach an agreement to end the war over the following 60 days.

But three weeks after it was signed, US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “over” after Iranian attacks on ships in the strait, and US strikes in response.

US officials said on Tuesday that talks have been progressing, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting a deal to reopen the Strait could be agreed as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.

Iran has said it is not negotiating with the US – and has no plans to do so – and is instead talking to Oman.