Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply Thursday, October 22, after Iran claimed that seven oil tankers had been attacked or struck naval mines overnight, raising fears of a wider disruption to global oil supplies in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
If confirmed, the incidents would represent the largest single-day number of commercial vessels damaged in the strait since the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28, intensifying concerns over maritime security and the potential impact on international energy prices.
According to the Associated Press, Iranian state television, citing the Revolutionary Guard’s navy, reported that four tankers caught fire while transferring oil, while three others struck naval mines and were left immobilized. The Revolutionary Guard also warned that attempts by the United States to facilitate tanker movements through routes Tehran considers unauthorized could trigger retaliatory strikes against American military bases in the Gulf.
Recent Attacks Raise Concerns Over Oil Shipments
Thursday’s reports follow several incidents in the Strait of Hormuz over the preceding two days, further increasing concerns about the security of international oil transportation.
On Tuesday, October 20, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed that three tankers had struck naval mines while attempting to navigate routes Tehran considers illegal. Two reportedly caught fire, while a third, carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil, was damaged after allegedly switching off its navigation systems. The U.S. Central Command disputed Iranian accounts of vessels striking mines.
On Wednesday, October 21, oil markets remained unsettled amid reports of at least 18 attacks on commercial vessels in the region over the previous two weeks.
Brent crude closed at approximately $108.82 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate settled at $97.15, as concerns about shipping disruptions offset expectations of continued oil supplies from Gulf producers.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
