Iran steps up attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz after US-Israel strikes
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The gist
Ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz hit a record high since the Iran war began.
The waterway carried about a fifth of global oil and gas trade before the war, so shipping risk affects energy markets.
Background
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that carried about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the war. Since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran has restricted passage through the strait to gain leverage over Washington. The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), Iran's military force, has warned vessels over their navigation systems and reported a tanker hitting a mine. Attacks on shipping have climbed in recent weeks, drawing scrutiny of commercial safety.
How it unfolded
- Feb 28, 2026The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran; Tehran has tried to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz since then.
- Oct 14, 2026A Singapore-flagged container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran stepped up attacks. Crossings fell to 131 in the week ended Oct. 14 from 176 the previous week, according to Kpler.
- Oct 14, 2026Reuters reported Iran is deploying new tactics to target ships, citing two senior Iranian officials. The US Navy-led JMIC said the threat to merchant shipping remained "severe."
- Oct 16, 2026Two Singapore-flagged container ships were attacked, heightening concerns over commercial shipping safety.
- Oct 17, 2026Ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz hit a record high since the Iran war began.
- Oct 18, 2026An oil tanker caught fire and exploded after striking a naval mine in the southern part of the strait, Iran's IRGC navy said, according to Iranian media.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The IRGC navy said the tanker violated Iran-imposed regulations by switching off its navigation system, and warned that ships doing so will be dealt with severely and decisively.
- Analysts
- Kpler's Dimitris Ampatzidis said the attacks underscored Iran's continuing ability to threaten commercial vessels, with risks extending beyond oil and gas transportation.
- Analysts
- Shipping analyst Koh, quoted by CNBC, said companies have kept looking for opportunities to navigate the strait, with some operators prepared to accept higher risks and costs.
- Official
- The JMIC said IRGC attacks, attempted attacks and harassment persisted, including drone overflight, targeted surveillance of merchant shipping and occasional radio hailing.
- Party
- Iranian newspapers Kayhan and Sobh-e-No, cited by Tehran Times, said Iran is fully enforcing its authority over the strait and has entered a more assertive phase with tighter restrictions and more attacks on vessels accused of violations.
Still unverified
Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Iran is deploying new tactics to target ships to keep oil prices high and influence the US midterm elections; a US official told Reuters Iran is using spotters but cannot prevent an oil export ramp-up. Kpler data reported by CNBC says the decline in Hormuz crossings cannot be attributed solely to the latest incidents.