Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, there has been a record surge in attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz in recent days.
According to reports received by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), 12 vessels were attacked between October 5 and October 11. This marks the highest number of attacks reported within a single week since the onset of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In the preceding week, 10 vessels had reported being attacked.
The UKMTO stated that six vessels were targeted on a single day—last Sunday—setting a record. Furthermore, reports of four additional attacks have been received since October 12.
The rise in attacks has also slowed the recovery in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz that had been observed over the past month.
Experts suggest that Tehran is targeting these vessels as part of an effort to establish greater control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has increased the number of tankers—passing through the southern part of the Strait—that it is escorting and protecting from potential Iranian attacks as they navigate the waterway.
According to experts, Iran is also intensifying attacks on vessels in maritime areas located at a greater distance from the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that, despite the attacks, “commercial maritime traffic continues through the Strait of Hormuz, and the movement of vessels remains ongoing under the coordinated protection of U.S. forces and regional partners.”
Meanwhile, according to the news agency Reuters, oil prices have shown an upward trend this week due to the uncertain situation in the Middle East; as of Friday, the price of Brent crude stands at $105.42 per barrel.
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