Drone Attacks Hit Three More Ships in the Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict
Three commercial vessels have been struck by drones in the Strait of Hormuz, raising the number of ships attacked in the area to 14 since the start of the current conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
According to reports from Tehran, the latest incidents occurred on Wednesday as ships attempted to pass through the key global oil transit route.
A Thai-flagged vessel was hit by two drones, causing a fire and significant damage to its engine room. Three crew members are missing and are believed to be trapped inside the damaged compartment, while the remaining 20 crew members were evacuated to the coast of Oman.
A Japanese-flagged ship was also struck by a drone but suffered only minor damage, and its crew was reported safe. A third vessel, a bulk carrier sailing about 50 miles northwest of Dubai, was also hit but reported no injuries.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that vessels attempting to cross the strait could be targeted during the ongoing conflict. The attacks come after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, dramatically escalating tensions in the region.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a route that carries a significant share of the world’s oil exports — has slowed sharply since the outbreak of hostilities, pushing global oil prices to their highest levels since 2022.
The United States Navy has so far declined to escort commercial ships through the passage, though Donald Trump has said Washington is prepared to deploy naval forces if necessary.
The latest attacks have intensified concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the risk that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger wider economic consequences worldwide.
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