Iran has intensified its attacks on oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with eleven vessels targeted in the week ending October 4, marking the highest number of strikes since the onset of the conflict in February.
This escalation is part of Iran's strategy to assert control over key shipping routes and disrupt the rebound of crude oil exports, which had returned to prewar levels in September. The U.S. military has been escorting ships through a safer route along Oman's coast, but the increased attacks have raised maritime risks significantly.
Notably, crude exports through Hormuz have dropped to 8.5 million barrels per day, approximately 40% below normal levels, as shippers navigate these heightened dangers. Analysts warn that the current situation is unsustainable, with at least 24 sailors reported dead since the conflict began.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has indicated that it will extend its operations beyond Hormuz, threatening broader shipping security in the Persian Gulf. This situation could lead to further disruptions in oil supply, affecting global markets and potentially driving up prices