MM Report
STRAIT OF HORMUZ: At least three vessels were reportedly struck near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, raising alarm over maritime security following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israel military strike.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO), two ships were directly hit, while an “unknown projectile” exploded near a third. All crew members were reported safe. The incidents have effectively brought international shipping near a halt along one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, which transports roughly 20% of global oil and gas supplies.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that three tankers flying UK and US flags were damaged and burning, though neither London nor Washington has issued official statements. UKMTO issued warnings of multiple security incidents across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, advising vessels to proceed with extreme caution.
Maritime tracking data indicates that around 150 tankers have anchored in open waters to avoid the strait, while some Iranian and Chinese ships reportedly continued passage. Analysts warn that the closure has driven up shipping insurance costs and heightened risk, with Homayoun Falakshahi of Kpler describing the strait as “effectively closed.”
Global markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices surging nearly 10% to $80 a barrel in preliminary trades, before formal trading began. Analysts cautioned that a prolonged disruption could push oil prices above $100, potentially triggering the largest gas market shock since 2022.
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