Iranupdated 38m ago2 min read
UKMTO Data Shows 12 Vessels Attacked Near Strait of Hormuz, Oil Shipments Slow
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Twelve vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz during 5–11 October. Oil shipments through Hormuz slowed as attacks intensified and shipping risks rose.
CNN was read line by line by the Watchdog: 4.4. See the score →
Hormuz attacks hit peak
BBC Verify analysis of UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) data says twelve vessels were attacked between 5 and 11 October, the highest weekly total since the US-Israeli war with Iran began. BBC Verify said the previous week saw 10 ships reporting attacks, and it said six vessels were struck last Sunday as UKMTO recorded a one-day high. BBC Verify reported that oil shipments through the strait slowed as the number of strikes rose, with about 12.6 million barrels per day passing through the strait on 13 October compared with 15 million at the end of September.
BBC Verify said the US military’s Central Command posted that “commercial traffic continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz with co-ordinated protection from US forces and regional partners,” even as attacks continued. BBC Verify said a Nicaragua-flagged tanker, Petro Dolphin, was on fire after being struck by a drone near Sohar Anchorage, Oman, more than 250km (150 miles) from the strait, and it said eleven Indian seafarers were rescued while two remained missing.
Sunk ships and disputed causes
The Singapore-registered container ship GFS Pride was struck on Tuesday while passing through the strait, caught fire, and later sank, and all crew members were safely evacuated.
Press TV reported that the ship “hit a sea mine on an unauthorized route,” while former US Navy officer Charlie Brown said a drone attack was more likely.
The merchant vessel Cape Dao, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, sank after being first hit by projectile on September 23, and one Indian crew member was killed.
GFS Pride sank after being struck by a projectile and catching fire, and GFS Giselle was damaged with crew members reported safe.
Collin Koh, a senior fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said, “I don't see in the short term, that Singapore flagged ships or Singapore shipping companies would necessarily avoid taking the transit if there is an opportunity.”
Oil flows, deterrence, and next steps
Kpler data cited by BBC Verify said about 12.6 million barrels per day went through the strait on 13 October, below the 15 million reported at the end of September, and it said the pre-war baseline was some 17 million barrels per day.
BBC Verify said the US Navy data indicated the number of vessels given assistance to navigate the Strait of Hormuz during the first 10 days of October was up 85% compared with the same period in August.
Iran’s parliament speaker محمد باقر قاليباف said Tehran forced the United States to enter into understandings and described the document Washington signed as “its defeat document,” while he said Iran was raising readiness for “sustainable deterrence.”
U.S. President دونالد ترامب said Iranian military capabilities had been largely destroyed, and he claimed Iran had 274 fighter aircraft, none of which were fit for use.
BBC Verify said Martin Kelly, CEO of Orbital Risk Intelligence, warned that Iran had “evolved its strategy” and was carrying out “near daily or multiple attacks every single day,” with the aim “to stop the ships going through and to deter others.”