At least 9 tanker attacks in October as pressure on Hormuz persists

There have been at least 9 attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since the start of October, according to UKMTO, the British agency that monitors shipping security in the region. In the whole of September there were about 18 attacks on ships.

Oil from the Persian Gulf passes through Hormuz, so every incident moves prices. A barrel of Brent now costs more than $100.

What the attacks look like

The series intensified at the end of September. Between 28 September and 2 October at least 6 vessels were hit, mostly by unidentified projectiles. Fires broke out on several of them but were put out, and the crews were safe.

According to the Polish Press Agency and Rzeczpospolita, Iran is behind the attacks and has been striking ships more and more often in recent days. To reduce the risk, tankers sail through a corridor along the coast of Oman with their AIS transponders, which normally broadcast their position, switched off.

Oil is still flowing

Despite the attacks, shipping has not stopped. According to Shell's chief executive, about 80% of the oil that passed through the strait before the war still does.

US Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged the attacks but said they had not stopped oil and gas shipments. He added that Washington is open to a deal.