Record 22 vessel attacks in Strait of Hormuz in first 13 days of October

Confirmed data indicates a record surge in maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with 12-22 vessels struck in the past week, leading to a 70% reduction in transits below pre-conflict levels. UKMTO assesses the threat as 'severe' with further attacks 'highly likely', while underreporting of incidents is claimed to obscure the full scale of the threat. This sustained disruption is driving significant increases in shipping costs and tanker prices, with attribution of attacks remaining unclear.