Iran increases attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz; tankers seek U.S. protection

What This is

• Iran has stepped up strikes on commercial tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with reports ranging from several attacks in early October to nearly 20 ships hit in the past month.
• Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guard figures say Iran controls Hormuz and may restrict routes or block what it calls “illegal” transit paths.
• The U.S. has been escorting ships and expanding its naval presence, including sending additional carrier and amphibious groups, while Trump has warned of possible renewed strikes on Iran.
• Despite the violence, crude exports from the Gulf (excluding Iran in some datasets) have rebounded close to, or at times above, prewar levels due to rerouting and higher Saudi loadings.
• Much of the rebound depends on workarounds such as U.S.-escorted corridors, pipelines that bypass Hormuz, and ship-to-ship transfers off Oman that add time, risk, and complexity.
• Shipping costs are surging, including record freight rates, higher war-risk insurance, and large bonus pay for crews willing to transit Hormuz.
• Iran has offered a proposal tied to reopening Hormuz within days in exchange for steps such as lifting the U.S. naval blockade and easing oil sanctions, but Trump has said he rejected it.

Why This Matters

• The Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy choke point, so even limited attacks can raise oil and shipping costs far beyond the region.
• Higher freight, insurance, and “danger pay” act like a hidden tax on trade and can feed inflation through fuel and transport prices.
• Escorts and workarounds reduce risk but can normalize a long-term security standoff where accidents or miscalculation trigger a wider fight.
• Tying safe passage to sanctions and nuclear demands turns commercial shipping into bargaining leverage, raising pressure on diplomacy and on Iran’s leaders at home.