The Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for oil and gas shipments, has seen 68 confirmed incidents over six months of war between Iran and the US and Israel. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that at least 20 seafarers or port workers have been killed, 35 wounded, and one is missing. The incidents, averaging one every 2.6 days, have predominantly involved tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) classified 47 of these incidents as attacks. Liberia-flagged vessels have been most affected, with 13 incidents, followed by Panama and the Marshall Islands with 10 each. Iran-flagged vessels were involved in four incidents. The rate of incidents has varied, with higher frequency before a peace framework was established in mid-June.
From the outbreak of war at the end of February until the peace talks in mid-June, incidents occurred on average once every 2.3 days. This period accounted for 16 deaths and 19 injuries. After the peace talks began, the rate of incidents halved to one every 4.6 days, with no reported casualties. However, since the talks collapsed, the rate has increased to one incident every 2.8 days, resulting in four deaths, 16 injuries, and one missing person.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, is one of the world's most strategically important waterways. About 20% of the world's petroleum passes through it. The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions and risks for commercial shipping in the region. Iran aims to retain control of the strait post-war and impose passage fees, a move that has sparked international concern.
The IMO's report underscores the perilous conditions for maritime workers and the vulnerability of commercial vessels in the region. The incidents have disrupted global oil and gas supply chains, impacting economies worldwide. For Bangladesh, which relies on stable global oil prices and secure maritime trade routes, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is of significant concern.
