Six Ships Targeted in a Single Day
Six commercial vessels were targeted in and around the Strait of Hormuz on a single day, the highest daily number reported since the Iran-US war began in February, according to figures cited by Anadolu from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and maritime security sources.
The same sources recorded more than 18 commercial vessels targeted during the first 12 days of October. Between October 5 and 12, at least 14 attacks, attempted attacks or interceptions involving vessels were reported in the area.
Dispute Over Passage and Security
The reports come amid renewed clashes and a dispute over who can regulate passage through the strategic waterway. Iran says its operations respond to a US naval blockade and warns ships against using routes it has not approved. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has described some vessels as involved in unauthorised oil transfers or attempts to break the blockade.
The IRGC has also claimed that some ships were damaged after striking naval mines. These claims and the circumstances of individual incidents have not all been independently verified.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of global energy and commodity shipments. Continued attacks and restrictions have raised safety concerns for crews and could further disrupt maritime traffic as Tehran and Washington remain at odds over navigation and security.
