10 Ships Targeted in Strait of Hormuz: Analysts

About 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since February 28. Iran blocked the crucial waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes. Attacks throughout the week nearly stopped commercial traffic, affecting oil and goods shipments. The strait normally handles 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas transit.

Britain’s maritime security agency, UKMTO, issued around 10 alerts for attacks and suspicious activity. Few details about the vessels involved were released. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported nine attacks in one week. Four of these attacks killed a total of seven people.

On March 2, three vessels—Skylight, MKD Vyom, and Stena Imperative—were hit, each causing one death. The Hercules Star was also attacked on the same day. Between March 3 and 5, four more ships—Libra Trader, Gold Oak, Safeen Prestige, and Sonangol Namibe—were struck. On March 6, four people were killed when the Mussafah 2 was hit.

Indonesia reported that a vessel matching Mussafah 2’s description sank two days earlier. Three Indonesian crew members were missing, and one was injured. Four other crew members from different nationalities survived. The casualty tolls often vary, as some attacks are confirmed only days later.

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Maritime security experts warned that vessels assisting previously attacked ships face higher risks. The Mussafah 2 was hit by two missiles while helping Safeen Prestige. Analysts said the attacks target operational uncertainty rather than fully sinking ships. Anchored and drifting vessels are particularly vulnerable during these attacks.

Iran’s actions remain inconsistent. A Revolutionary Guards general warned on March 2 of burning any ship attempting to cross. However, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the country has no intention of closing the strait. Meanwhile, Iran continues exporting oil through the waterway, keeping intentions unclear.

The United States and France are taking steps to protect maritime traffic. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said merchant ships would receive escort when possible. French President Emmanuel Macron aims to build a coalition to secure sea lanes vital to the global economy. Analysts warn the region remains volatile, and shipping risks are high.