Iran's Revolutionary Guard widens tanker attacks beyond Hormuz, hitting ships on unauthorized routes
Iran's naval force claims strikes on tankers using routes it has not approved, now reaching into the Gulf. Hormuz traffic has fallen and a supertanker later exploded after hitting a mine, the Guard said.
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What happened
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy claimed a series of attacks on tankers and an LPG carrier it said took unauthorized routes, and warned violators would be pursued and punished anywhere in the region. Strikes have spread to vessels inside the Gulf, near Qatar and the UAE. On Oct 10, the Guard said an oil supertanker exploded after striking a naval mine while trying to leave the strait by an unauthorized route.
Why it matters
Near-daily attacks have cut Hormuz exports by about 40% versus prewar levels, killed sailors and raised risks to global crude shipments. Shipping firms are reportedly paying captains up to $100,000 a month to make the transit.
Timeline
- Oct 9, 11:04 AM ET: The Revolutionary Guard warned that ships violating its designated routes would be pursued and punished anywhere in the region, as two more commercial vessels were reported struck.
- Oct 9, 1:35 PM ET: The Guard Navy said an LPG carrier caught fire after being struck on an unauthorized route south of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 9, 2:38 PM ET: A ship was attacked and caught fire about 24 kilometers west of the UAE's Al Dhafra region, according to UKMTO.
- Oct 9, 4:09 PM ET: The International Maritime Organization said nine ships were struck in the strait or off Oman between Oct. 1 and Tuesday.
- Oct 10, 4:16 PM ET: The Guard said an oil tanker exploded and caught fire after hitting a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
- US military disputes Iran's claims over Strait of Hormuz
- Iran's attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping reach record high
- Iran's attacks on Hormuz shipping hit record as ships sink
- Attacks sink a container ship in Strait of Hormuz and slow traffic
- Iranian Guards commander warns of attacks on US ships near Hormuz
- Iranian navy says tanker burned near Hormuz, amid attack reports
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