Gulf Shipping Attacks Reach Record High as Tensions Rise
Monthly data shows a peak in commercial vessel strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with new missile interceptions and diplomatic moves in Moscow.
By Tunde Bailey ·
October has become the most dangerous month on record for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, according to data from a Washington-based think tank that has tracked maritime security incidents since 2017. The surge in attacks coincides with heightened military activity on land and in the air across the Middle East.
On 24 October, forces from the Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and a drone aimed at Saudi territory. The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence issued warnings to residents in the capital Riyadh, Najran, and Wadi al-Dawasir, later confirming that the immediate danger had passed in those areas.
At sea, the navy of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two supertankers struck naval mines while attempting to use an unauthorized route south of the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile seven nautical miles off the coast of Oman.
Political rhetoric has intensified alongside the physical conflicts. US President Donald Trump stated in Florida that Washington might launch another military operation against Iran. In response, Major General Abdollahi, Iran's armed forces chief of staff, declared that the country would not allow US warships to re-enter the Persian Gulf. Mohammed Mokhber, an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, described the threats from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as signs of desperation.
Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel with the military engagements. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to travel to Moscow next week. He is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and participate in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit on 27 October. In London, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain is redoubling efforts to find diplomatic solutions, noting that the conflict is increasing costs for families in the UK.
Ground operations in the West Bank saw Israeli forces order Palestinian residents of Hebron to leave their homes on foot. Demolitions occurred near the site where two Israeli soldiers were killed, and dozens of people were detained during raids across the territory. In Syria, protests were held on Friday against recent Israeli incursions in the south, which included an attack earlier in the week that killed a man with a disability.
In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that the nation should prepare for international banking sanctions. He suggested that cryptocurrency could help the country bypass such measures. His comments were made four days before the upcoming Knesset election.
