Gulf Shipping Attacks Set Monthly Record as Tankers Strike Mines

October has emerged as the most active month on record for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. Data from a Washington-based think tank that has monitored maritime security incidents since 2017 confirms that the volume of strikes in the current month surpasses all previous annual peaks.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported that two supertankers struck naval mines while navigating an unauthorised route south of the strait. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations logged an incident where a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile seven nautical miles off the Omani coast. These maritime incidents have added to the physical risks faced by energy transporters moving through the region.

Security threats have extended from the water to the land. Forces in the Saudi-led coalition announced they intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and a drone aimed at Saudi territory. The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence issued a warning to residents in Riyadh, Najran, and Wadi al-Dawasir, later confirming that the immediate danger in those areas had passed. The frequency of such interceptions has raised concerns among insurers and logistics firms regarding regional stability.

Political leaders on both sides of the conflict have intensified their rhetoric. US President Donald Trump stated at a rally in Florida that Washington might initiate another military operation against Iran. In response, Major General Abdollahi, the chief of staff for Iran’s armed forces, declared that under no circumstances would Iran allow what he called rusting US warships to re-enter the Persian Gulf. An adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei described the war threats from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a sign of desperation rather than strength.

Diplomatic movements are underway to manage the escalating tensions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to travel to Moscow next week. He is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and participate in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit on 27 October. In London, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain is increasing its efforts to find diplomatic solutions, noting that the conflict is driving up bills for families in Britain.

The conflict has also impacted regional politics and markets. In Israel, Netanyahu warned the country should prepare for international banking sanctions and suggested cryptocurrency could help bypass them. His remarks came four days before the Knesset election. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished several buildings near the site where two soldiers were killed and detained dozens of people during raids. In Syria, protests took place against recent Israeli incursions in the south, following an incident earlier in the week that killed a man with a disability.