Ship attacks near Strait of Hormuz hit highest level since war began, FT reports

The number of ships struck by Iranian missiles, drones and other attacks near the Strait of Hormuz has reached its highest level since the war began in February, the Financial Times reported Tuesday (local time).

Drawing on data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and European security officials, the FT found that 24 vessels were attacked in the two weeks ending Sunday — the highest two-week toll since the war began with US and Israeli airstrikes. The previous peak was 13 ships in the first two weeks of March. Six vessels were struck on Sunday alone, also a single-day record since the conflict began.

Citing maritime security firm Vanguard, the FT said three of the vessels were product tankers, while two others were crude oil tankers — one operated by China's New Treasure Shipping and one by South Korea's Janggeum Merchant Marine (Sinokor). An Indian container ship was also attacked.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, said Iran may be developing anti-ship missile capabilities to improve its ability to strike vessels.

According to energy data firm Kpler, 2.9 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the lowest daily figure this month. While that number could be revised upward based on satellite tracking data, Kpler said the seven-day average flow was about 43 percent below pre-war levels.