Hormuz transits at lowest in over two months after attacks

Attacks on oil tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest level in any week since the Iran war began, according to maritime security sources tracking incidents, as Gulf producers ramp up exports. US Vice President Kamala Harris stated during an interview that Iran must reduce nuclear enrichment in order to bring an end to the conflict.

Attacks, attempted attacks, and harassment activities including drone overflights, surveillance, and hailing via VHF radio by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have occurred repeatedly in the strait, as reported by the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) in a statement on Sunday. The JMIC emphasized that these actions prove Iran's determination to assert control over vital transit routes and maintain pressure on vessels navigating the area.

During the week of September 28 to October 5, there were at least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from three maritime security sources who examined incidents based on information received from the region. This marked the highest number of attacks in a single week since the conflict between the US and Iran commenced on February 28.

Separate data from the UN's shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), revealed nine incidents involving vessels in the same week. However, the IMO typically requires more time to verify and officially document incidents, as noted by maritime sources. The closest comparable week in terms of incidents was the period from July 13 to July 19, which saw eight incidents, as indicated by separate IMO data.

Gulf oil exporters had reached pre-war levels for roughly half of September, as shipping data indicated on Monday, although attacks on tankers and logistical challenges cast doubt on the prospects for continued growth in exports. On Tuesday, India's foreign ministry reported that 12 crew members were injured when an unidentified projectile struck a Panama-flagged oil tanker named On Peace while it was transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.