Iran changes Hormuz tactics as attacks on shipping reach a wartime high
Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran has changed the type and pace of attacks on ships it considers to be breaching its Strait of Hormuz restrictions, aiming to keep oil prices high ahead of the US midterm elections. A US military official said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is using unarmed small-boat spotters; maritime security data cited by Reuters recorded at least five incidents involving commercial ships in the area in the past 48 hours.
Bottom line — Reuters reports Tehran also intends to extend operations beyond Hormuz, while the maritime threat remains at the JMIC’s second-highest level.
Go deeper 6
-
The Iranian officials said the tactical shift began about 10 days ago and was approved by senior leadership, Reuters reported.
-
A US military official told Reuters that US forces destroyed a dhow used by Iranian spotters after its occupants were told to abandon ship; there were no casualties.
-
The attacks include drone strikes, according to maritime security sources and reports to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency cited by Reuters.
-
Reuters reported that maritime security analysis suggests attacks have reached waters off Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
-
The Strait carried about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the war, Reuters reported.
-
A US military official said Iran has been unable to prevent oil exports through the strait from increasing, in part because it is reluctant to risk its remaining fast boats.