The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on 11/3 at least three incidents of cargo ships being attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in the Gulf region.

The most recent attack occurred around 2h05 GMT (9h05 Hanoi time) in waters approximately 93 km northwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), involving "unidentified munition". UKMTO confirmed the crew remained safe and the incident caused no environmental impact.

Earlier, another cargo ship was hit in waters northwest of Ras al-Khaymah, UAE, more than 40 km from the coast. A third vessel was attacked and caught fire while passing through waters north of Oman, forcing its crew to evacuate.

These attacks occurred hours after the US announced on 10/3 that it had destroyed several Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This action aimed to prevent a potential blockade of the strategic shipping lane, which controls about 20% of global oil trade.

Speedboats of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps move around an oil tanker during an exercise in the Strait of Hormuz on 17/2. *AFP*

Following the US-Israel campaign against Iran, which began on 28/2, Tehran vowed it would not allow "a single drop of oil" to pass through the strait. This declaration caused significant volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns about supply shortages, particularly in Asia.

Some oil tankers believed to be linked to Iran continue to transit Hormuz. Many vessels undertake "dark voyages", switching off their automatic identification systems (AIS) used for tracking ship positions.

Security firm Neptune P2P Group reported that since 8/3, 7 vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with 5 of them linked to Iranian-affiliated shipping companies.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. *Guardian*

Commodity market tracking firm Kpler stated that Iran has resumed crude oil exports from Jask port on the Gulf of Oman. An oil tanker loaded approximately 2 million barrels of oil at this port on 7/3.

Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco, warned last week that oil tankers being unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz would severely impact the global economy.

"Vessels are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area and report any suspicious activity while authorities investigate these incidents," UKMTO stated in its advisory.

Thanh Danh (According to BBC, Reuters, 1News)