LONDON: Last week saw the highest level of tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran war began, maritime security sources report.
The US Navy‑led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported on Sunday that attacks, attempted attacks, and harassment—including drone overflights, surveillance, and VHF radio hails by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards—remain ongoing in the strait.
“These actions continue to demonstrate Iran’s intent to assert presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on transiting vessels,” the JMIC added.
During the period from September 28 to October 5, at least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas tankers were recorded near the Strait of Hormuz, according to three maritime security sources who analyzed incidents based on local reports.
This marks the highest weekly attack count since the US‑Iran war began on February 28, the sources noted.
Separately, data compiled by the United Nations’ shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), recorded nine incidents involving vessels during the same week.
The UN body typically requires a longer verification period before officially recording incidents, maritime sources explained.
The nearest comparable week was July 13, when eight incidents were reported, according to separate IMO data.
Shipping data released on Monday indicated that Gulf oil exporters reached pre‑war levels for roughly half of September, though ongoing tanker attacks and logistical constraints are clouding expectations for continued higher flows.
India’s foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that 12 crew members were injured when an unidentified projectile hit the Panama‑flagged oil tanker On Peace as it transited the Strait of Hormuz.
