Middle East conflict: Fresh tanker attacks slam Middle East transit channels

Brent crude’s price has remained elevated as more oil tankers and commercial vessels have come under attack while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

IMAGE: Getty Images

A containership came under attack within the Strait of Hormuz yesterday while conducting an inbound transit, sustaining minor damages, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported.

A second container vessel was struck by an unknown projectile within the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, while conducting an outbound transit, also sustaining minor damages, the UKMTO said in a separate report.

Between 11-14 October, the UKMTO reported at least 11 incidents within the Persian Gulf.

About 10 vessels attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz yesterday - six inbound and four outbound, according to market intelligence provider Windward. One of these vessels moved in dark mode.

“Strikes have spread beyond the strait [Strait of Hormuz],” Windward reported, adding that tankers were hit off Qatar on 7 October, east of Fujairah on 8 October, at anchor off the UAE on 9 October and off Sohar on 11 October.

Meanwhile, Tehran’s ambassador to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has claimed that the US military is using “threatening, abusive, and provocative language” against Iranian mariners – causing “serious stress.”

However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has flatly dismissed these claims, calling them out as false and fabricated.

The US Navy maintains that it exercises firm control of the narrow corridor and routinely coordinates escorts for compliant vessels.

“Commercial traffic continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz with coordinated protection from U.S. forces and regional partners,” CENTCOM said on social media platform X.

CENTCOM has had a blockade in place for ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports since 14 July. The operation has redirected 135 commercial vessels, disabled four and boarded two.

Earlier this month, the US CENTCOM destroyed an Iranian-affiliated dhow conducting surveillance and targeting US Navy ships in the Gulf of Oman, it said while sharing video footage of the attack on X.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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