In the first two weeks of October 2026, Iran has intensified its attacks on violating ships in the Persian Gulf by implementing a new strategy. According to collected data, at least 23 incidents involving ships have been recorded in or near the Strait of Hormuz, including strikes on the engine rooms of vessels. This situation could have serious consequences for the maritime industry and the global oil market.
Changes in the Nature of Attacks
Among these incidents, five vessels have reported that their engine rooms were struck. Reports indicate that Iran's attacks in the Persian Gulf are increasingly targeting more ships and causing more severe damage. Direct hits to the engine room can lead to fires and the incapacitation of the vessel, resulting in heavy repair costs and the ship being out of service for months.
Read more: Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Warns of the Risk of World War III
Increase in Attacks and Their Consequences
Supplementary reports indicate that Iran has reduced its use of drones in recent weeks and focused on the use of missiles. This tactical change has led to an increase in fires and sinking of ships. Maritime and security officials, who requested anonymity, have stated that along with the overall increase in attacks, incidents of strikes on engine rooms have also significantly risen. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had previously reported a fire in the engine room of an oil tanker following a strike from an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has also announced that tankers violating declared regulations and passing through unauthorized routes are encountering naval mines, resulting in explosions and fires in the engine rooms. These actions not only affect maritime security but could also lead to increased energy shipping rates and a shortage of available vessels in the global oil market.
Experts warn that the intensification of Iran's attacks could exacerbate one of the biggest constraints on the global oil market and pose a risk of rising prices. This situation indicates a significant shift in Iran's approach to maritime security and its impacts on the global market.
Read more: Emmanuel Macron and Political Challenges in France · Iran's Attacks on Ships in the Strait of Hormuz Have Increased in Speed
