Maritime security sources counted at least 12 attacks on oil, LNG and LPG tankers around Hormuz in the week of September 28 to October 5. The IMO separately logged nine vessel incidents that week.
Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz reached the highest weekly total since the Iran war began, maritime security sources told Reuters on Wednesday. In the week of September 28 to October 5 they counted at least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers.
Three sources compiled the tally from reports in the area. Separate International Maritime Organization data showed nine vessel incidents in the same week. Reuters said the IMO takes longer to verify incidents. The closest comparable IMO week was July 13, with eight incidents.
The Joint Maritime Information Center said the actions showed Iran's intent to assert a presence on transit lanes and keep pressure on ships. The sources linked the spike to a larger export push by Gulf producers. Shipping data on Monday showed Gulf oil exporters topped pre-war levels for about half of September, with attacks and logistics still clouding the outlook.
The war began on February 28, the sources said. The weekly count is a tally of attacks, not a confirmed damage or casualty total for each ship.
Reuters did not name the individual tankers in the dispatch used here.
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- The Joint Maritime Information Center said the actions show Iran's intent to assert presence on transit lanes and maintain pressure on vessels.