Iranian ship attacks in Hormuz reach new high
New tallies show that 24 vessels were hit in the first eleven days of October.
There is news on this story (Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 22:28): Second ship sinks after new incidents near Hormuz
Follow-up to: Iranian attacks threaten oil flows through Strait of Hormuz Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 22:28
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Iran has stepped up attacks on ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, NOS reports. According to the tally, 24 vessels were hit in the first eleven days of October, the highest number since the start of the war.
The new tally points to a clear deterioration in the situation since the earlier report on shipping under threat in the Strait of Hormuz. According to NOS, six ships were attacked on Sunday alone, also a record for a single day. The figures are based on reports of attacks in and around the strategic passage.
The development comes on top of earlier reports of unidentified projectiles, threats to commercial shipping and disruption around oil transhipment. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is an important route for energy and goods transport. New incidents could therefore affect shipping routes, insurance and delivery times.
The Associated Press also reported on Wednesday that a cargo ship had struck a sea mine and sunk, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. According to AP, it was the first time in this war that Iran had reported a sunken ship following a mine incident. Unidentified projectiles were reported near two Singapore-registered cargo ships, according to Singapore's maritime authorities; the crews of one sunken ship were evacuated.
Responsibility for individual incidents has not always been established independently. Iran says ships are passing through the strait without permission and has repeatedly warned of the consequences. Reports of mines, projectiles and attacks come from different parties; the sources do not provide a fully independent account of what happened in every incident.
International shipping is consequently facing a combination of security and economic risks. Shipping companies may alter routes, delay departures or pay higher premiums. Oil, liquefied gas and other products transported via the Gulf are particularly vulnerable to delays, even if the waterway formally remains open.
The new figures do not automatically mean that oil exports will come to a complete standstill. However, uncertainty is increasing over which ships can pass safely and who effectively controls the passage. Governments and maritime organisations will need to verify incidents individually before drawing conclusions about a complete blockade.
As a trading and shipping nation, the Netherlands has an interest in free and safe international shipping routes. The sources consulted do not report any direct Dutch damage or involvement. For now, the main Dutch consequences would probably be indirect: more expensive transport insurance, higher energy prices and longer delivery times.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The number of reported incidents around the Strait of Hormuz has risen sharply, according to NOS.
- Iran says a ship struck a sea mine; AP also reports two ships hit by unidentified projectiles.
- Responsibility for individual attacks has not been fully established independently.
Left
Arguments The protection of commercial shipping and civilians must come first; escalation and military pressure increase the risk to crews and the global energy supply.
Values International law, humanitarian protection, diplomacy and energy security.
Consequences A greater military presence may deter incidents, but could also trigger a wider war and higher energy prices.
Centre
Arguments Shipping should be protected through international verification, diplomatic channels and proportionate security measures, without presenting unconfirmed claims as facts.
Values Stability, evidence, international cooperation and free trade.
Consequences A joint approach could reduce risks, but takes time while shipping companies are already facing uncertainty and higher costs.
Right
Arguments Attacks on commercial ships require credible deterrence and clear consequences for the actor threatening the shipping route.
Values Freedom of navigation, national security, order and the protection of commercial interests.
Consequences Firm action could make the route safer more quickly, but increases the risk of direct confrontation with Iran and further regional 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 new tally and daily record are based directly on the NOS follow-up source provided. The text carefully distinguishes AP's report of the mine incident from responsibility for individual attacks.
- confirmed According to NOS, 24 ships were hit in the first eleven days of October. — This is the central new development in the NOS source. source
- confirmed Six ships were attacked on Sunday. — NOS describes this as a record for a single day. source
- confirmed Iran reported that a cargo ship had struck a sea mine and sunk. — AP attributes this to the navy of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. source
- confirmed Two Singapore-registered cargo ships were hit by unidentified projectiles. — AP refers to Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority for this information. source
- confirmed Responsibility for all the incidents has not been established independently. — The sources consulted describe multiple claims and unidentified projectiles without full independent attribution. source
Editor's note
The increase to 24 vessels hit and the daily record are drawn from NOS's follow-up report. AP confirms a new mine incident and reports involving two Singaporean ships, but responsibility for all the incidents has not been established independently.Sources
The story so far
- Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 22:28 Iranian attacks threaten oil flows through Strait of Hormuz
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 14:59 Ship sinks after mine explosion near Strait of Hormuz
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 21:59 Iranian ship attacks in Hormuz reach new high (this article)
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 22:28 Second ship sinks after new incidents near Hormuz
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „iran straat van hormuz”
- de Volkskrant — „iran straat van hormuz”
- RTL Nieuws — „iran straat van hormuz”