Attacks on tankers in Hormuz hit highest of any week since start of Iran war, sources say - Reuters

Attacks on tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest level in any week since the onset of the Iran‑Iraq war, according to maritime security monitoring. The spike in hostile activity was recorded over the past week and coincided with a marked increase in oil exports from Gulf‑region producers.

Reports indicate that at least twelve separate incidents involving various types of vessels were documented during the period. A separate tally from the International Maritime Organisation listed nine distinct incidents in the same timeframe, reflecting a slight discrepancy in the total number of reported attacks.

The surge in tanker attacks aligns with a broader push by Gulf oil producers to raise export volumes. Industry data show that regional output and shipments have been expanded significantly, prompting heightened maritime traffic through the narrow waterway.

The concentration of incidents has raised concerns about the stability and security of commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Stakeholders in the shipping and energy sectors have highlighted the potential risks to safe passage for merchant vessels.

Authorities and maritime organizations are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance to safeguard the flow of oil and other cargoes through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.