October 13, 2026
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy released footage on Tuesday morning, reportedly showing an attack on a large oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, marking another escalation in the maritime confrontation with the United States.
The numbers reveal the scale of the escalation:
▪️ 104 confirmed maritime incidents: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recorded 104 maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters between the outbreak of war on February 28 and October 12, 2026. Not all of these incidents can necessarily be attributed to the IRGC.
▪️ 24 seafarers killed: According to the latest figures reported by the IMO.
▪️ 3 supertankers targeted within 48 hours: On October 12, the IRGC announced that it had targeted a third tanker in two days, accusing the vessels of disregarding Iranian maritime instructions.
Strategic Assessment:
The Strait of Hormuz is becoming a central instrument of geopolitical pressure in the confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
With maritime security deteriorating, the risks now extend beyond military confrontation to global energy supplies, international shipping, insurance costs, and oil markets.
The strategic message is unmistakable: any escalation involving Iran carries consequences far beyond its borders, particularly for countries dependent on Gulf energy exports.
Important clarification: No independently verified figure currently establishes the total number of vessels specifically targeted by the IRGC. The 104 recorded maritime incidents should not all be classified as Iranian attacks.