Ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have hit a record high this month, surpassing the total number recorded during the peak of the Iran war. Maritime data shows that the number of incidents has already exceeded those seen in March, when tensions were at their highest.
The US military stated that the vast majority of Iranian attacks on vessels in the strait were unsuccessful. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed one of the tankers was taking an unauthorized route. The vessel was carrying over 2 million barrels of crude oil.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has urged ships to avoid transiting the strait and trading in the region. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez warned that safe shipping operations cannot resume until the underlying causes of the conflict are addressed. The IMO’s advice remains unchanged, emphasizing the need for ships to take precautions.
The situation in the strait has worsened as attacks continue. In one incident, an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine, according to Iranian officials. The IRGC navy accused the tanker of turning off its positioning and radar systems to evade detection.
The strait remains a critical route for global oil trade, and the escalating attacks have raised concerns about the safety of maritime traffic. The conflict has led to increased tensions and disrupted shipping operations in the region.
