More than three weeks after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 17 to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, tensions are rising once again. Following accusations from Iran that three ships attempted to pass without approval, the situation has deteriorated, leading to recent attacks on vessels in the strait.
On June 25, the Singapore-flagged container ship Ever Lovely was struck by a projectile near Oman’s port of Dahit, although no injuries were reported. Following this, on June 27, the Panama-flagged tanker Kiku was attacked by a drone while transporting over 2 million barrels of crude oil, leading to US retaliatory strikes on Iranian coastal cities.
Recent Attacks on Commercial Vessels
Since the MoU, at least five commercial vessels have been attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation of hostilities has raised concerns about maritime security in this vital waterway.
- June 25: Ever Lovely attacked, no injuries.
- June 27: Kiku hit by drone, no leaks reported.
- July 6-7: Three vessels attacked: Al Rekayyat, Wedyan, and M/T Cyprus Prosperity.
Impact on Global Shipping and Economy
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil transportation, with about 20 million barrels of oil passing through daily before the conflict. However, following the recent attacks, shipping traffic has significantly decreased. In the first 18 days after reopening, only 513 ships transited the strait, averaging just 28 vessels per day.
