Hormuz tanker attacks mount, putting oil flows at risk
Roughly a dozen reported attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz suggests Iran is once again dialing up the pressure as US economic sanctions plunge the rial to new lows.
WASHINGTON — At least 12 oil and gas tankers came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, according to the latest reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO), marking a new uptick that has yet to trigger a military response by the US.
At least three tankers were hit on Friday, and two vessels were hit on Sunday, the UK-based maritime security agency reported Monday.
On Monday, another tanker reported being hit by a projectile in the strait, causing a fire in its engine room, the agency said.
The captain of one vessel complied with orders issued by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to turn back, in another incident reported Monday.
