Paris, France – Web Desk: Maritime security data and analysis groups report that approximately 10 commercial vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have been targeted in attacks since Iran effectively blocked the strategic chokepoint in retaliation for US and Israeli military strikes.
The incidents, spanning the week following the war’s outbreak on February 28, 2026, have drastically reduced traffic through the strait, a vital artery for roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Tanker movements have plummeted by about 90%, according to shipping analytics firm Kpler and MarineTraffic data.
Britain’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued around 10 alerts for attacks and suspicious activity, while the International Maritime Organization (IMO) documented nine confirmed incidents on its website as of Friday, March 6. These included strikes on the vessels Skylight, MKD Vyom, Stena Imperative, and Hercules Star on March 2 (one fatality each in the first three); Libra Trader, Gold Oak, Safeen Prestige, and Sonangol Namibe between March 3–5; and Mussafah 2 on March 6, where four people were reported killed.
Indonesia confirmed Sunday that a vessel matching the Mussafah 2’s description sank on March 6, with three Indonesian crew missing, one injured, and four survivors of other nationalities—differing slightly from the IMO’s casualty figure.
Maritime security firm Vanguard reported the Mussafah 2 was struck by two missiles while attempting to assist the previously hit Safeen Prestige. The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), operated by a Western naval coalition, warned that vessels involved in rescue or salvage operations face heightened risk of follow-on attacks. Analysts describe the campaign—attributed to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard using drones and missiles—as aimed at creating uncertainty and deterring commercial shipping rather than outright destruction.
Casualty figures and claims vary, with some incidents only confirmed days later and not all independently verified.
Iran has sent mixed signals: A Revolutionary Guard general threatened on March 2 to “burn any ship” crossing the strait and block Gulf oil exports, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Thursday that Tehran has “no intention” of closing the waterway.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday that the US would provide military escorts for merchant ships “as soon as it’s reasonable.” French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday he is working to form a coalition to secure essential sea lanes in the region.
The attacks have intensified global concerns over energy supply chains, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel and fears of prolonged disruptions.
