Attacks on ships transiting Hormuz in October highest since start of war

In October, attacks on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest monthly level since the start of the Iran-US war, with over 30 incidents reported, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This figure is more than double the total of September and surpasses the number of attacks recorded in March, the first full month of the conflict.

Since the war began, the UKMTO has documented 145 incidents, though the actual number could be higher as they only include incidents reported by verified vessels. On Friday, a crude oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile while completing an outbound transit through the Strait, with the UKMTO investigating the incident and advising vessels to exercise caution.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy claimed that four oil tankers caught fire and exploded in the Strait between Friday and Saturday. Contrary to US Central Command's statements, which claim that over 95% of ships navigating the Strait have sailed safely, UKMTO's data paints a different picture. US Central Command's Admiral Brad Cooper, who recently visited the region, reported seeing dozens of commercial vessels of various types transiting the strait, but noted the absence of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) assets.

The recent reports of preparations for renewed conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, along with a significant US military build-up in the region, add to the heightened tensions in the area.