Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf have severely threatened the security of commercial shipping in these areas. On October 23, 2023, a tanker was struck by an unknown project while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, rendering the tanker incapacitated. According to reports, all crew members were safe in this incident, but further details about the type and extent of damage to the tanker have not been released.
Details of the Incident and Its Consequences
This incident was reported three days after it occurred, indicating a delay in reporting incidents against commercial vessels in this region. In a separate report, another warning was issued by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) regarding a fire on a vessel approximately 63 nautical miles southeast of Al Faw, Iraq. The identity of this vessel and the status of its crew remain unclear, and assessments of environmental damage are not available.
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Increased Risks in the Persian Gulf
These two reports have been released amid an increase in attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. In this context, UKMTO has declared the threat level in the Persian Gulf as "significant" and referred to five attacks within the Gulf since October 7, 2023. According to JMIC, as of March 1, 2023, 156 confirmed maritime security incidents have been recorded in this region. These figures were released prior to the disclosure of the recent attack on the tanker.
Attacks and threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran continue in various forms, including assaults, attempts to attack, drone flights, and surveillance of vessels. This situation indicates an increase in risks not only in the Strait of Hormuz but also in the Persian Gulf, where vessels waiting to unload cargo or transfer cargo to other ships are at risk.
Despite U.S. efforts to ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the volume of commercial traffic is significantly lower than historical levels. From October 22 to 24, 2023, 101 vessel crossings under U.S. supervision were recorded, while the historical average was about 138 vessels per day in 2025. These figures refer to different reporting methods and only include facilitated crossings.
Given the ongoing disruptions, estimates indicate that approximately 492 vessels are currently waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has been exacerbated by the enforcement of a naval blockade by U.S. forces on Iranian ports and efforts to maintain safe passage for other commercial vessels. UKMTO has advised vessels to exercise caution in affected areas and report any suspicious activity.
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