Iranian attacks target 6 ships near Strait of Hormuz in 1 day, highest since war with US began

Iranian attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest pace since the war with the US began on Feb. 28, with six ships targeted in a single day, according to data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) and international maritime security sources. Data from UKMTO and maritime security sources showed that more than 18 commercial vessels were targeted by Iran during the first 12 days of October, including six on Monday. Between Oct. 5 and 12 alone, at least 14 attacks, attempted attacks and interceptions involving vessels were recorded in and around the strait, according to the same sources. UKMTO data and statements by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) indicated a marked rise in attacks on commercial shipping since clashes between Tehran and Washington resumed in July. At least 12 attacks on oil tankers and cargo ships were recorded in July, while at least 10 vessels were targeted in August, including oil and liquefied natural gas tankers off the UAE port of Fujairah and Oman’s Sohar. The number rose to 18 vessels in September as the US and Gulf countries increasingly resorted to ship-to-ship transfers, using smaller vessels to transport oil before loading it onto larger tankers in safer areas. The IRGC claimed that the operations were “illegal oil smuggling and an attempt to break the Hormuz blockade” and expanded its operations to include supply vessels, tugboats and small tankers in the Gulf. The IRGC also claimed that some targeted vessels were damaged by explosions after striking naval mines while sailing “illegally” through routes it considered “unsafe.” Tehran says the escalation in its operations against shipping is a response to a “US naval blockade,” while warning vessels against using routes it has not approved or crossing the area after switching off navigation and identification systems. Since April, Iran has imposed restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including designated transit routes and a requirement for prior coordination with the IRGC Navy. On May 30, Tehran announced that vessels passing through the strait would be required to obtain prior authorization from the IRGC Navy, warning that transit without permission would constitute a “security threat.” The developments come amid continued tensions between Iran and the US over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important strategic routes for energy and commodity supplies and a key issue in negotiations between the two sides. ​​​​​​​The war began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, before a ceasefire was reached in April. Clashes between Washington and Tehran later resumed as negotiations stalled despite the two sides signing a memorandum of understanding in June.