Twelve vessels reported attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz between 5 and 11 October, the highest weekly total recorded by the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency since the US-Israeli war with Iran began, according to BBC Verify. The increase coincided with a slowdown in the recovery of oil shipments through the waterway, industry data cited by the BBC indicated.
The BBC said 10 vessels had reported attacks the previous week, while six were struck last Sunday, a one-day high. Four attacks had been reported so far this week. Al Jazeera aired video showing containers and debris floating in the strait following recent vessel attacks. The New York Times reported that Iran has sought to use its influence over shipping in the strait as leverage against the United States and Israel.