Iran Escalates Gulf Shipping Attacks Near Strait of Hormuz

Iran has increased attacks and threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf as it seeks to restore influence over the critical waterway, reducing oil movements and keeping crude prices above $100 a barrel, according to shipping data and officials.

The incidents have included more than a dozen strikes on shipping since the end of September. The United Arab Emirates National Guard said it rescued 22 people after an oil tanker fire, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported additional vessel attacks.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington would not strike Iran before the United States midterm elections on November 3, while his administration continued discussions with Tehran over nuclear concerns.

"We will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd," said Donald Trump.

Trump also described the administration as "having productive discussions" with Tehran, while saying his main goal was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Tehran has described control over the waterway as a key security issue. Iran is focused on what it calls a "strategic red line" as it faces economic pressure and restrictions on oil exports.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the country was experiencing one of its most difficult economic periods. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf also outlined Tehran’s position on regional security.

"Both the Americans and other countries should know: As we have said before, in a region where we cannot sell oil, no one else will be able to sell oil either. And if our security is not guaranteed, no infrastructure will be safe," said Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf.

The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ahmed Vahidi, said Iran viewed the Strait of Hormuz as a protected area and opposed outside military involvement.

"No extra-regional power has the right to threaten, maintain a domineering presence, or interfere in it. The Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s strategic red line," said Ahmed Vahidi, head of the IRGC.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations said several ships in UAE waters reported receiving radio messages directing them to leave anchorages. Shipping analysts Ambrey said six vessels near Ras al Khaimah were warned to move.

"The vessels were advised to heave up anchor, exit the area immediately, and transit to Dubai anchorage," said Ambrey.

According to Kpler, oil and petroleum product flows through the strait averaged 13.1 million barrels per day at the end of September, compared with 17.1 million barrels per day before the war began.

The US military continued a blockade against Iranian ports. US Central Command said a cargo vessel was disabled in the Gulf of Oman after its crew ignored warnings.

"A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica (also known as the \"Arika Sun\") with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew," said US Central Command.

Kpler data showed September was the first month since monitoring began in 2013 that Iran loaded no crude onto tankers. The Strait of Hormuz remains the focus of the latest maritime tensions.