Iran Attacks: Shipping Disrupted in Strait of Hormus – US Response?

Several vessels in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormus were targeted in Iranian attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) via X (formerly Twitter). The Gold Oak was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile Tuesday evening east of the Fujairah oil port, sustaining damage to its metal cladding. However, the vessel did not sustain any breaches or fires, and the crew is safe.

Approximately ten minutes prior, the oil tanker Libra Trader was also reportedly attacked further east of Fujairah, with the MTO noting a loud explosion followed by the discovery of an unidentified projectile onboard. The ship’s chimney sustained minor damage, but the vessel and crew remained unharmed.

Reported Attack on Swiss Cargo Ship

On Wednesday morning, an incident occurred 20 nautical miles west of Dubai involving the Grace, a container ship operated by Swiss shipping company MSC. The MTO reported a splash was observed near the container ship, believed to be caused by an unidentified projectile. The ship reportedly sustained no damage.

The Safeen Prestige experienced less favorable outcomes: the container ship was hit by an unidentified projectile early Wednesday afternoon, approximately two nautical miles north of the Omani coast, impacting just above the waterline. This resulted in a fire in the engine room. The crew has evacuated the vessel and are reported to be safe, according to the British organization.

These attacks are believed to be linked to Iran’s announcement on Monday of a blockade of the Strait of Hormus, a vital passage for global oil trade. Tanker traffic through the area has since declined sharply, though not entirely ceased. According to trade analysis firm Kpler, “The analysis of ship activity shows that tanker passages are currently around 90 percent lower than last week.” Kpler analyst Matthew Wright noted that some tankers continue to navigate the strait in an east-west direction, with some even disabling their transponders.

Following the blockade announcement, U.S. President Trump stated that the U.S. Navy would protect commercial vessels transiting the waterway. “If necessary, the U.S. Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormus as soon as possible,” the President said, adding that the U.S. Would “ensure the free flow of energy to the world.” As of now, however, there is no indication that these escorts have begun.

Benedikt Hollenstein (bho) is with 20 minutes since 2021. He writes for the Newsdesk and also takes on daily management shifts there.