Ship attacks in Hormuz hit record high as Iran escalates
Twelve ships reported attacks near the Strait of Hormuz in one week, the highest toll since the Iran-US conflict began.
The UK's Maritime Trade Operations agency reported the record number of strikes, with six vessels attacked on a single day. Oil shipments through the strait have slowed to about 12.6 million barrels per day, down from 15 million at the end of September and well below the pre-war baseline of some 17 million.
Experts say Iran is attacking to assert control of the waterway as the US military shepherds more tankers through the southern route to avoid Iranian strikes. The Nicaragua-flagged tanker Petro Dolphin caught fire after being struck by a drone more than 250 kilometres from the strait; 11 Indian crew were rescued but two remain missing.
A container ship, the GFS Pride, sank after a strike on Tuesday with all twenty-one crew safely evacuated. Iran's military published footage claiming the vessel carried contraband and had taken an unauthorised route.
- 12 in one week
- Ships attacked
- 6 vessels on Sunday
- Single-day record
- 12.6 million barrels per day
- Current oil flow
- 17 million barrels per day
- Baseline oil flow
Why it mattersRecord attacks on commercial shipping threaten global oil supplies and insurance costs, raising the risk of further price spikes.
AustraliaAustralia imports fuel and depends on stable global oil markets; disruptions to Middle East shipping flow through to local petrol prices and broader economic costs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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