Escalating maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

Multiple maritime advisories issued on October 11 and 12 reported that six commercial vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The incidents involved various tankers and cargo ships struck by projectiles, with one tanker near Sohar, Oman, specifically targeted by an unmanned aerial vehicle. Among the casualties, the Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank on Tuesday following a projectile strike and fire; all 21 crew members were evacuated. Additionally, the dry bulk carrier Cape Dao, struck on September 23, sank this week, resulting in one fatality.

These attacks are part of an intensified campaign by Iran, which senior officials claim is a strategic response to US and Israeli military actions initiated on February 28. Tehran aims to exert control over the vital shipping waterway, influence upcoming US midterm elections, and counter international sanctions. The surge in aggression, particularly over the last ten days, has significantly disrupted global trade in oil and liquefied natural gas, leading to increased maritime security concerns. Maritime authorities characterize these persistent strikes as breaches of international law, and risk management firms warn that the situation continues to deteriorate.