28 confirmed attacks rattled the Strait of Hormuz in October, striking more than 30 Very Large Crude Carriers, the Washington Institute’s interactive map shows.
Since the U.S.–Israel‑Iran conflict erupted on Feb. 28, 2026, 113 incidents have been logged, according to the Institute, while the International Maritime Organization tallied 120 across the region.
Shipowners, lured by freight rates topping $1 million per day and steep discounts from regional oil producers, are loading the Gulf’s cargoes despite the danger.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, reporting 135 incidents by Oct. 16, says voluntary reporting gaps keep the true scale in shadow, while damage to commercial vessels surged in the month.
Iranian officials, according to a Reuters interview, have escalated assaults to sap shipping recovery and pressurise global markets ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, while Greek consultancy Marisks warns that the latest wave could trigger rerouting of the Gulf’s oil flow. Crew on the Greek‑owned tanker 'Athena' reported constant alarms, fearing for their safety.