Data analysis agencies indicate that since Iran began blocking the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US-Israel airstrikes, about 10 ships have been attacked in the strait and its nearby waters, with 4 incidents resulting in a total of seven deaths.
Due to the recent hostilities, oil transportation in the Middle East continues to be disrupted. Major oil-producing countries such as Iraq and Qatar have already announced production cuts. JPMorgan estimates that if restrictions on this globally important energy route continue, the average daily oil production cut in the Middle East could exceed 4 million barrels by next weekend.
According to AFP reports, the Strait of Hormuz, as a vital artery for global oil and freight, has come to a near standstill since a series of attacks occurred following the outbreak of war in Iran on February 28.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations office has issued about 10 attack alerts and suspicious activity warnings, but has not disclosed detailed information about the ships involved.
According to data released by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the 6th, there have been nine ship attack incidents in the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, four of which resulted in a total of seven deaths.
Iran itself also relies on the Strait of Hormuz to export oil, and officially its stance on whether to block the strait remains unclear.
An Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander warned on the 2nd of this month that Iran will 'burn any ship that attempts to pass through the strait' and will block all oil exports from the Persian Gulf region.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi stated on the 5th that Iran has 'no intention of closing' the Strait of Hormuz.