Symbolic imageAttacks on Hormuz shipping reach worst level of the war
Iran has hit 24 ships near the Strait of Hormuz in two weeks, the most intense spell since the war began. Tehran says it has agreed a temporary safe route with Oman.
The Financial Times counted 24 ships hit in the two weeks to 11 October, based on UKMTO reports and European security sources; the previous peak was 13 in the first two weeks of March. Six vessels were struck on Sunday, including an Indian container ship, and two Indian seafarers were reported missing. On Tuesday UKMTO reported another tanker hit by an unknown projectile in the strait, with no casualties reported, according to TASS. The Revolutionary Guards said they struck a supertanker on Monday, which remains unconfirmed.
Exports drop
Kpler data show 2.9mn barrels passed through the strait on 11 October, the lowest this month, and the seven-day average is about 43 per cent below pre-conflict levels. Shipowners are turning away, with several vessels leaving Fujairah.
Oman route talks
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Iran and Oman agreed a temporary safe route, with implementation details still under discussion, and that it should not be confused with reopening the strait. An adviser to the Guards' commander had said Iran would close routes it deems illegal, including along Oman's coast.
Other opinions
Tehran Times says Iran rejects US claims of normal traffic, while The National describes an Iranian campaign against US-backed oil shipping.