Iran escalates Hormuz tanker attacks as oil shipments rise
Iran has intensified its attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with oil shipments through the critical waterway nearing prewar levels. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported nine attacks in the Strait of Hormuz this month alone, which is already half the total recorded for all of September in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf combined. Notably, four of the September attacks occurred in the final two days, highlighting the recent surge in aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a target for vessels throughout the Iran war, but the intensity of strikes has fluctuated. Past waves of heavy attacks have temporarily reduced shipments, though these declines were often balanced by higher volumes in subsequent days. It remains unclear whether the latest escalation will lead to a significant drop in Hormuz shipments or impact seaborne gas flows, which have also recently increased.
Maritime security officials and shipping executives have not yet determined if the recent spike in attacks will result in long-term disruptions. The uncertainty surrounding the impact on oil and gas flows underscores the volatile nature of the situation in the region.