Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest level since the US-Israel-Iran war started in February 2026. Iran is striking vessels that use routes it does not approve, using missiles, drones, and mines. On October 11 alone, six ships were hit. More were attacked in the following days. In total, about 23 incidents occurred in October so far, far more than usual.
The United States is enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports and has disabled some ships. These attacks have sharply reduced oil shipments through the strait, which normally carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil. Shipping companies face higher risks, and energy markets remain under pressure as traffic stays low.