Iran-Linked Ship Attacks Reach Record High in October

Commercial shipping attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways reached a record high in October 2026. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy recorded 28 confirmed attacks during the month, including a peak week between October 5 and 11. Since the conflict between the Government of Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition began on February 28, the International Maritime Organization has reported 120 incidents, while the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations recorded 135. These attacks have damaged over 30 Very Large Crude Carriers, roughly 3.5% of the global supertanker fleet.

Recent escalations include an incident on Friday where two oil supertankers carrying 4.5 million barrels of crude oil struck naval mines south of the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported that the vessels were using an unauthorized route, resulting in engine room explosions that forced crews to abandon ship. This followed a Thursday operation where the IRGC targeted four other tankers for alleged illegal oil transfers and destroyed navigational aid systems.

Iran has restricted safe passage for ships affiliated with the United States and Israel since February. Analysts suggest the intensification of these attacks is intended to pressure global energy markets and disrupt shipping recovery ahead of the November U.S. midterm elections.