Iranian attacks on container ships in the Strait of Hormuz have increased in recent weeks. Iran reported that seven tankers were struck on Wednesday night and over the last fortnight at least 15 container ships, passing through the waterway, were hit.
Most of the recent attacks have occurred close to the coast with Oman, a route that Iran sees as unauthorised. In the seven days to Friday 16 October, 12 vessels were attacked, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO). There are concerns that spillage from any damaged oil tankers may be affecting the environment.
