Middle East conflict: Fresh tanker attacks slam Middle East transit channels

The ongoing Middle East conflict has once again seen attacks on oil tankers and commercial vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, leading to elevated prices for Brent crude. On October 11-14, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported at least 11 incidents within the Persian Gulf. Out of a total of 10 vessels trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, six were making an inbound journey and four an outbound one.

The attacks extended beyond the strait, with tankers struck off Qatar, east of Fujairah, at anchor off the UAE, and off Sohar.

Tehran's ambassador to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has accused the US military of using "threatening, abusive, and provocative language" against Iranian mariners, causing "serious stress." However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied these allegations, stating that they are false and fabricated. The US Navy maintains control over the narrow Strait of Hormuz and routinely coordinates escorts for compliant vessels.

The US Central Command has maintained a blockade on ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports since July 14, which has redirected 135 commercial vessels, disabled four, and boarded two. On October 9, the US CENTCOM destroyed an Iranian-affiliated dhow conducting surveillance and targeting US Navy ships in the Gulf of Oman, sharing video footage of the attack on social media.