World · Middle East · 13 hrs ago
Reported Ship Attacks Near Hormuz Hit Monthly High in October
More than 30 incidents involving ships were reported in October in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said this was the highest monthly total since the Iran-US war began and more than twice September’s count.
The agency has recorded 145 incidents since the war started, though the actual number may be higher because it counts reports from verified vessels.
A crude oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, and authorities were investigating.
The reports come as US President Donald Trump threatens renewed attacks on Iran, while Tehran’s intermittent strikes have created an economically painful standoff.
The US military says more than 95 per cent of ships have passed through safely, but the attacks show the risks remain.
Trump has not decided whether to launch a new military campaign, and Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed conflict.
UKMTO reported more than 30 incidents involving ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf in October.
The total was more than double September’s and higher than any monthly count since the Iran-US war began, according to The National.
UKMTO has reported 145 incidents since the war started, but said its count covers incidents reported by verified vessels.
The US Central Command has said more than 95 per cent of ships navigating the strait in recent months passed through safely.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the strait remains unsafe for commercial shipping.
- Who
- UKMTO reported the incidents; commercial vessels and their crews face the risks.
- What
- More than 30 ship-related incidents were reported in October in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
- When
- October 2026.
- Where
- The Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf.
- Why
- The sources describe attacks and other hazards, but do not identify who was responsible for all incidents.
UKMTO and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez
US Central Command
Safety of the waterway
UKMTO and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez
UKMTO reported more than 30 incidents in October, and Dominguez said the strait remains unsafe for commercial shipping.
US Central Command
Centcom said more than 95 per cent of ships navigating the strait in recent months sailed through safely.
Control and hazards
UKMTO and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez
Dominguez said attacks, mines and other hazards threaten ships and seafarers.
US Central Command
Centcom said the figures clearly demonstrate that the United States and regional partners control the international waterway.
UKMTO recorded 30 attacks in the first full month of the conflict.
UKMTO reported more than 30 incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf.
A crude oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile while completing an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz.
The National reported that October’s incident count was the highest monthly level since the war began.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez told Bloomberg that the strait remained unsafe for commercial shipping.
- October incidents
- More than 30
- September comparison
- October’s reported total was more than double
- First full month of conflict
- March 2026; 30 attacks recorded
- Incidents since war began
- 145 reported by UKMTO
- Safely transiting ships
- Centcom said more than 95 per cent in recent months
- Tanker incident
- Struck by an unknown projectile during an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz
5 sources
IMO Chief Says Strait of Hormuz Remains Unsafe
Arsenio Domínguez (Organización Marítima Internacional): “La navegación se hace cada vez más difícil por la falta de seguridad”
Attacks on ships transiting Hormuz in October highest since start of war
What people are saying
the Strait of Hormuz remains unsafe for commercial shipping
I didn't see the IRGC out there, at all