Assisted transits played a key role in restoring Middle East oil flows toward pre-war levels during September. Iranian exports, however, remain completely stalled following the US blockade of Iranian ports and vessels.
Martin Kelly, CEO of Orbital Risk Intelligence, said Iran has “evolved its strategy” in response to its loosening control of the strait, now carrying out near-daily or multiple attacks every day.
“The aim is to stop ships from transiting and to deter others,” he added.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps navy stated that strikes would not be “limited to the Strait of Hormuz,” later announcing a “new deployment formation” across the region, according to state media.
Kelly told BBC Verify that Iran is broadening its attacks to target vessels near the coasts of Gulf Arab states and in the Gulf of Oman.
A tanker was struck by multiple projectiles north of Qatar on Thursday, 8 October, more than 500km (310 miles) from the strait, resulting in multiple reported casualties, according to Vanguard.