Attacks against commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest level since the war with Iran began, with maritime tracking sources reporting a sharp increase in incidents involving vessels moving through the strategic waterway, according to The Times of Israel.
The increase comes despite efforts by the United States and its allies to keep the strait open and protect international shipping from Iranian attacks.
Hormuz is among the most important energy corridors in the world, carrying enormous quantities of oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf producers to international markets.
The escalating attacks have contributed to renewed pressure on global energy prices, with oil again trading above $100 a barrel Wednesday as markets reacted to instability in both the Persian Gulf and Yemen.
The development also came hours after an adviser to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened that Tehran would soon close what he described as “illegal routes” through the strait. (Read More)
