Attacks on tankers in the Persian Gulf, particularly on October 7, 2026, have had a significant impact on oil prices and maritime transport rates. Following these attacks, the price of Brent oil reached $104 per barrel, and the price of dated Brent oil reached $136. Additionally, tanker rates for the route from the Persian Gulf to East Asia exceeded $1.4 million per day, indicating heightened expectations of the risks posed by Iran's attacks on energy transportation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Details of the Attack on the Acers Tanker
The Acers tanker, flagged from Antigua (IMO 9301902), has been identified as the target of the attack. This tanker was attacked in the Persian Gulf using three drones, resulting in damage to its chimney and upper structure, as well as a fire in the engine room. According to maritime security sources, the fire was quickly extinguished.
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Further Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
In addition to the attack on Acers, reports have emerged of an attack on another unidentified tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident occurred on October 7 after 5 PM UTC. No reports of casualties or damage assessments have been released yet. This attack marks the thirteenth attack since the beginning of this month. Officials have informed the media that the actual number of damaged vessels is approaching 20.
Preliminary evidence suggests that another tanker has also been targeted in the Gulf of Oman. NASA's infrared sensor data confirms Iranian sources' claims of an attack on a vessel near Fujairah. If this attack is confirmed, it would mean targeting Iranian oil-loading and shuttle vessels outside the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States does not intend to respond to these Iranian attacks due to domestic conditions and the midterm elections. President Donald Trump has stated that no attacks on Iran will occur until the elections on November 3. However, Pentagon officials are preparing military options and are likely to deploy three aircraft carriers to the Middle East region.
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