The surge in activity, attributed to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has not yet notably depressed crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, though reports indicate explosions occurred on Qeshm Island, Iran, coming from the sea. The U.S. has not responded to the attacks despite a "tanker-for-tanker" policy announced on Sept. 2. Recent strikes have occurred even within maritime lanes previously described as secured by the U.S., while maritime analysts note the pace of attacks is accelerating.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Iran Hits 10 Tankers in 10 Days as VLCC Remains Ablaze
War17 days ago
Satellite imagery from Oct. 3 reveals a very large crude carrier hit by a projectile 4 nautical miles east of Oman on Oct. 2 remains on fire and appears abandoned. The vessel, which was among several tankers including one carrying 2.5 million barrels of oil targeted recently, shows severe superstructure damage and firefighting foam on its deck, with visible oil spills contradicting earlier reports of no environmental impact. This latest series of attacks brings the total to 10 tankers hit in a 10 day span since Sept. 21.
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