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Iran has intensified its actions against commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with at least 14 attacks, attempted attacks and interdiction incidents recorded between October 5 and October 12, according to data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and international maritime security sources. Six ships were struck on October 12 alone, five of them in the strait and one near Oman's Sohar anchorage area.

As the United States tightened its blockade, Iran has moved to expand its control over maritime traffic through the strait. The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that vessels using routes not approved by Tehran would be targeted. Iranian officials also said ships that disable navigation and identification systems while transiting the waterway would be treated as hostile and attacked.

Figures from UKMTO and the Revolutionary Guard indicate a clear rise in incidents since hostilities with the US resumed in July, with at least 12 ships attacked that month and 10 more in August, including tankers off Fujairah and Sohar. The September count reached 18 as missile and drone strikes escalated. In response to US and Gulf tactics of transferring oil between small and large vessels, the Revolutionary Guard began striking supply ships, tugs and small tankers, describing the practice as illicit smuggling. More than 18 commercial vessels were targeted in the first 12 days of October.

Key Takeaways

• At least 14 maritime incidents were recorded near the Strait of Hormuz between October 5 and 12, including six ships struck on October 12.
• Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that vessels on unapproved routes or with navigation systems disabled would be treated as hostile.
• Monthly attacks rose from 12 in July to 18 in September, with more than 18 vessels targeted in the first 12 days of October.