Iran Intensifies Weekly Attacks on Shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has been conducting approximately 30 drone strikes and 10 anti-ship missile attacks weekly against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since early August, with at least 13 ships confirmed struck since September 10 according to British Navy monitoring. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps acknowledged the campaign, stating it prevents vessels from passing through the waterway every 24 hours. Despite the ongoing attacks, U.S. military escort operations have enabled increased oil shipments from regional exporters, though some cargo is being rerouted around the strait to avoid the heightened risks.

Iran's campaign targeting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz represents a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has systematized these operations, conducting strikes at regular intervals while publicly acknowledging the strategy. British naval monitoring has documented at least 13 confirmed vessel strikes since mid-September, though the actual number may be higher given reliance on voluntary crew reporting. These attacks specifically target commercial shipping, including oil tankers crucial to global energy markets.

The U.S. military response has adapted to mitigate disruptions, with naval vessels and aircraft providing security for convoys traveling through regional waters. This protective operation has enabled some exporters to maintain higher shipment volumes. However, shipping companies are increasingly rerouting cargo away from the strait entirely, suggesting that despite military escort efforts, perceived risks remain substantial enough to alter traditional trade routes in the region.