Iran's Oil Industry Choked Off as Strait of Hormuz Attacks Escalate
Two more tanker ships have reported strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing the total to six vessels attacked in just one week. The incidents are part of a growing conflict between Iran and the US, which has resulted in 110 related incidents.
The latest attacks occurred on Thursday, October 1, when the Kuwait Oil Tanker Co. crude oil tanker Kazimah III (317,250 dwt) was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian news agency Fars reported that the ship was burning about five miles off the coast of Oman.
On Friday, UKMTO received information from an unnamed tanker's master that it had been struck and a fire extinguished, but there were reports of a blackout onboard. Security consultancy Ambrey reported that the vessel was a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker located about 5.3 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.
The attacks have escalated as mediators reported no progress on talks between the US and Iran around the UN General Assembly. The US has confirmed that a third carrier strike group and up to 9,000 troops are on their way to the region, which could provide an opportunity for renewed offensive action if President Donald Trump chooses.
Analysts believe the pressure is growing on Iran as its oil income dwindles. Kpler analysts said that Iran was cutting back production and had stopped loading floating storage, with most of its large tankers avoiding the Gulf since the US reinstated the blockade.