Iran's attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping reach record high
Two cargo ships have sunk in the waterway, including a Singapore-flagged vessel, while the US military contests Tehran's claims of control.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
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What happened
Iran has been attacking commercial vessels around the Strait of Hormuz, with 12 vessels struck in one week between October 5 and 11, according to UK maritime agency data. The latest development is that the US military has disputed Iran's claims of control over the strait and its account of a Singapore-registered ship sinking after a naval mine strike.
Why it matters
Shipping disruption in the strait is slowing oil exports and starting to affect harvests, according to a UN agency. Oil prices are heading for a weekly gain as the attacks rattle markets.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 12:31 PM ET: A cargo ship carrying more than 2,500 containers sank south of the Strait of Hormuz after reportedly striking a naval mine and catching fire.
- Oct 15, 2:39 PM ET: Iran's navy reported another oil tanker fire in a restricted area, saying the vessel had switched off its tracking systems.
- Oct 15, 3:56 PM ET: Iran's Army Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, said the strait would remain closed until the rights of the Iranian people were respected.
- Oct 16, 12:56 AM ET: US Central Command disputed Iran's claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz and the account of the Singapore-flagged ship's sinking.
Coverage
- 12 attacks on vessels near Strait of Hormuz reported in a week (ua.news)
- UKMTO Data Shows 12 Ships Attacked Near Strait of Hormuz, Petro Dolphin Fire After Drone Strike (NewsCord)
- Ship attack reports near Hormuz reach record high as oil exports slow (BBC)
- US military disputes Iran's claims over Strait of Hormuz
- 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
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard hits tankers near Hormuz as peace talks stall
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