Record surge in vessel attacks hits Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

Security data show that ten merchant vessels have been targeted in or around the Strait of Hormuz since Oct 11, including six attacks on that day and four on Oct 13, the highest single-day count since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began. The strikes have caused a container ship to sink and two seafarers to be reported missing, further hindering traffic through the strategically vital passage that handles most Gulf oil exports.

Vanguard, the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations recorded 23 incidents in October, almost twice the typical monthly rate since the conflict’s onset. The escalation follows Iran’s March campaign against ships it deems unauthorized, and analysts suggest that a recent rise in oil shipments—now about 80 % of pre-war levels—offers Tehran an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to disrupt global energy markets.

They also note that President Trump’s pledge not to expand attacks before the U.S. midterm elections may have given Iran a perceived low-risk window to increase pressure. Since the war began, the IMO reports 24 seafarer deaths linked to incidents in the area.