This gap in reporting emerges as Iran's Navy claimed it struck two very large crude carriers on Oct. 16 after they disabled tracking systems to enter restricted zones east of the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite imagery has since confirmed the vessels are damaged and leaking fuel. The escalation follows a steep decline in regional shipping, with oil flows through the strait dropping to 2.9M b/d on Oct. 11 from 15.5M b/d in September.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Iranian Ship Attacks Double Official Count per UKMTO Finding
War4 days ago
Most commercial ships targeted by Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman have declined to report the incidents to maritime authorities. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations found that its official logs are incomplete because a majority of hit vessels refuse to cooperate, meaning the actual number of strikes since Oct. 1 is likely at least double the approximately 30 confirmed cases. Current estimates place the floor at 60 vessels struck, with some reports suggesting as many as 100, marking the most aggressive period of the war.
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