Iranian attacks threaten oil flows through Strait of Hormuz
Maritime authorities report multiple attacks on merchant ships, while Iran says it is targeting smuggling vessels.
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
.jpg){kind=link}
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is once again under pressure following multiple reports of attacks on commercial vessels. The British maritime security service UKMTO refers to unidentified projectiles; according to a US think tank, Iran appears mainly to be targeting vessels involved in oil transfers.
On Monday, UKMTO published delayed reports about four vessels that were reportedly hit by unidentified projectiles in or near the Strait of Hormuz on 11 October. According to the service, they comprised three tankers and a container ship. The crew of at least one tanker was safe; there was still no clarity about possible environmental damage.
The reports did not say who was responsible. The Associated Press wrote that the British maritime service had confirmed at least three attacks in the strait, while other reports also include an incident near the Omani port of Sohar. As a result, public tallies differ.
The Institute for the Study of War says Iran is likely targeting vessels transferring oil from smaller to larger tankers. This route is used to transport oil through the area despite the restrictions around the strait. The think tank also says Iran may be further developing its anti-ship missile capability, but that is not an established conclusion.
An Iranian security official, Mohsen Rezaei, told Iranian state television on Saturday that Iranian forces attack an average of five ‘smuggling vessels’ per night. His statement is an Iranian account of events and stands alongside the UKMTO reports, which refer only to unidentified projectiles.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important passage for oil and gas from the Gulf region. New incidents could prompt shipping companies to avoid routes, keep vessels waiting longer or pay higher insurance premiums. The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that Brent crude stood at 105.80 dollars per barrel, down 0.8 per cent from earlier. Such a daily movement cannot be attributed solely to the attacks on ships.
For the Netherlands, the main concerns are energy prices, transport costs and the availability of tanker capacity. Until an independent source identifies those responsible, it remains incorrect to attribute the attacks to Iran without qualification. It is clear, however, that security risks for commercial shipping in the area have increased again.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- UKMTO reported multiple attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
- The perpetrators have not been independently established.
- Iran says it is attacking vessels it considers to be smuggling vessels.
Left
Arguments The priority should be protecting crews and preventing further escalation. Military escorts for oil shipments could protect shipping temporarily, but would also increase the risk of a wider war.
Values International law, the protection of civilians and limiting military escalation.
Consequences More diplomacy and monitoring could reduce the risks, but the flow of oil may remain disrupted for longer.
Centre
Arguments As long as responsibility has not been established, countries should base themselves on verified maritime reports and take proportionate protective measures. Diplomacy and safe shipping routes should be organised alongside each other.
Values Factual accuracy, international cooperation and continuity of trade.
Consequences This could protect shipping without immediately provoking a direct confrontation with Iran.
Right
Arguments Attacks on commercial vessels threaten freedom of navigation and should receive a clear deterrent response. Without credible military protection, shipping companies and allies will not have confidence in their routes and energy supplies.
Values National security, free trade and deterrence.
Consequences A firmer response could restore passage, but would increase the risk of further military escalation.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is supported by UKMTO and AP. Claims about Iranian responsibility and possible missile development are presented as uncertain or attributed.
- confirmed UKMTO published reports about four vessels that had been hit by unidentified projectiles. — Incidents 166 to 169 appear on the UKMTO website. source
- confirmed The crew was safe in at least one reported incident. — This is stated in UKMTO warning 166-26. source
- confirmed ISW believes Iran is targeting vessels involved in oil transfers. — AP attributes this to the Institute for the Study of War. source
- confirmed Mohsen Rezaei said that Iran attacks an average of five smuggling vessels per night. — AP quotes Rezaei’s statement via Iranian state television. source
- confirmed Brent crude stood at 105.80 dollars on Tuesday and had fallen by 0.8 per cent. — This figure appears in AP’s market update. source
Editor's note
The UKMTO reports about multiple vessels being hit and Iran’s statement are certain. Responsibility for the attacks and the exact number of incidents have not been independently established.Sources
- Iran increases threat to Strait of Hormuz shipping — Associated Press
- Recent maritime security incidents — UK Maritime Trade Operations
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „iran straat van hormuz”
- RTL Nieuws — „iran straat van hormuz”
- NOS — „iran straat van hormuz”