{
  "id": 17354274,
  "title": "Attacks on ships transiting Hormuz in October highest since start of war",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/attacks-on-ships-transiting-hormuz-in-october-highest-since-start-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T06:35:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/31/attacks-on-ships-transiting-hormuz-in-october-highest-since-start-of-war/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In October, the number of attacks on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz surged to a peak in the ongoing Iran-US conflict, with over 30 incidents reported, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This marked a significant rise compared to September's total and even tripled the incidents recorded in March, the first month of the war. Since the war's commencement, the UKMTO has logged 145 such incidents, though the true count may be higher, as it only considers reports from verified vessels. A recent incident involved a crude oil tanker being hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the strait. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy has alleged that four oil tankers caught fire and exploded within the Hormuz Strait over the weekend. The attacks follow US Central Command's statement that over 95% of ships navigating the Hormuz Strait have successfully passed through recently, despite US forces maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports and terminals. US Central Command's Admiral Brad Cooper, who toured the region recently, claimed to see numerous commercial vessels, including cargo, oil, and LNG ships, being escorted by US assets. However, he did not observe Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) presence. Simultaneously, Israeli media reported that Israel's defense establishment is preparing for another potential conflict, either defensively or offensively. The preparations coincide with a significant US military buildup in the region, comprising 12 destroyers, two aircraft carriers, and heightened military air traffic. Israeli officials noted these developments are preliminary, intended to offer President Trump military options if he decides to act. However, Israel is updating its list of potential targets in Iran and preparing for possible retaliation in case of a US attack.",
  "summary": "Attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest monthly level in the Iran-US war in October, with more than 30 incidents reported, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The data collected by the British navy-affiliated agency contrasts with US repeated announcements that the strategic waterway is widely open for navigation and has been…",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 30 attacks on ships in Hormuz in October, highest since war began",
    "UKMTO logs 145 incidents since conflict started, true count likely higher",
    "US Central Command reports 95% of ships successfully passed through strait"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The surge in maritime incidents signals a dangerous escalation in the Iran-US conflict that threatens the safety of commercial shipping despite the presence of US naval escorts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "US conducting nightly missions to enforce Hormuz blockade, straining aircraft, crew - report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/us-conducting-nightly-missions-to-enforce-hormuz-blockade-straining",
        "published": "2026-10-31T01:52:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Oman rescues 25 crew as attacks and mine threats disrupt Hormuz shipping",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/oman-rescues-25-crew-as-attacks-and-mine-threats-disrupt-hormuz",
        "published": "2026-10-31T04:08:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arabian Post",
        "title": "October ship attacks in Hormuz reach wartime peak",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/october-ship-attacks-in-hormuz-reach-wartime-peak",
        "published": "2026-10-31T06:25:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}