Iran Strikes Seven Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz in Five Days

The Strait of Hormuz has seen an escalation of naval activity as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has targeted at least seven oil tankers in the past five days, according to Fars news agency. This surge in attacks comes despite repeated assurances from US President Donald Trump that the strait remains open and under US control.

Incidents Reported

According to Fars, two Kuwaiti tankers, Al Funtas and Kazimah III, and three UAE vessels, Sinbad, Mersin Prosperity, and Al Ruwais, were among those struck. Additionally, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued several warnings of tankers struck by unknown projectiles over the weekend. One incident involved an LPG tanker transiting inbound through the Strait on October 4, which was reportedly struck at 1716 UTC. Another crude oil tanker was also struck at 1907 UTC on the same day.

The Iranian navy reportedly ordered an inbound vessel to turn back, further complicating maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.

Impact on Crew and Vessels

In one of the reported incidents, a drone reportedly entered a tanker's funnel before falling into the engine room, causing a small fire and temporary loss of power. Another tanker was struck on its port quarter, lost power, and briefly drifted before continuing toward Fujairah with tug assistance. A third vessel lost propulsion following another projectile strike.

The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that five Indian nationals were rescued after the tanker Kazimah III was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. The Embassy stated that the crew members were safely shifted ashore.

International Reactions

The escalation of attacks has drawn significant international attention. A senior Iranian shipping official, Mohammad-Reza Modarres Khiabani, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, has said the country will pursue in international courts the US attack on and seizure of one of its container ships, which took place in April during the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

Khiabani described the US forces’ boarding and seizure of the Iranian-flagged vessel Touska off the coast of Iran’s southeastern Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman on April 19 as a “war crime.” He noted that the ship was carrying medicines related to the Iranian Red Crescent Society and dialysis patients.

What This Means for Operators

Shipping companies and operators must remain vigilant as the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to deteriorate. The frequency of attacks and the complexity of navigating the region underscore the importance of adherence to international maritime guidelines and coordination with local authorities. Operators should ensure that their vessels are equipped with robust security measures and that crews are trained to handle potential threats. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain regular communication with UKMTO and other maritime information centres for real-time updates and advisories.

As the number of incidents increases, it is likely that insurance premiums will rise, and port entry requirements may become more stringent. Operators must be prepared for increased scrutiny and potential delays as the geopolitical tension in the region shows no signs of abating.

These events highlight the ongoing risks and challenges for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, necessitating heightened awareness and proactive measures to ensure safe passage.

Related coverage

• Ship traffic in Strait of Hormuz plummets as tensions rise
• Six Vessels Hit in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iranian Attacks
• Delayed UKMTO Reports Reveal Four Tanker Strikes in Strait of Hormuz