Tankers burn in the Middle East despite hopes for de-escalation
USO•At least 10 ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz in the first 10 days of November, following 37 attacks in October. Oil spills have reached the shores of Oman, while attacks have also damaged energy infrastructure and civilian facilities across the region.
1. Attacks in the strait
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported another tanker incident in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, while Iran said an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine. The reports could not be independently verified. At least 10 ships were hit in the first 10 days of November, after 37 attacks in October—the highest monthly tally since the conflict began, according to data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
2. Oil spills and damage
Videos showed a Navig8 tanker on fire near Oman, and satellite imagery showed black smoke at the same location. Iran claimed responsibility for hitting three tankers that day, saying they used “unauthorised routes” through the strait. Videos and satellite imagery also showed oil reaching Omani shores and spills off Oman and the UAE.
3. Regional infrastructure targeted
The United States has continued its naval blockade of Iranian ports. US Central Command said a US military aircraft fired on and disabled a St Kitts-flagged cargo vessel that had tried to leave regional waters after visiting an Iranian port. In Riyadh, a building belonging to Saudi Aramco was targeted in an attempted attack; the Saudi Energy Ministry said debris caused limited damage and there were no injuries or fatalities. The International Maritime Organization has confirmed 133 incidents in the region since the conflict began in late February, with at least 25 seafarers killed.
