Two container ships sink near strait of Hormuz amid surge in Iranian attacks
Vessels were hit by missiles as rise in strikes suggests Iran is trying to close waterway before US midterm elections
TL;DR
- Two container ships, GFS Pride and Cape Dao, sank after being hit by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz.
- There has been a sharp increase in Iranian attacks on shipping in the area, with at least five incidents reported in 48 hours.
- The attacks are seen as a deliberate attempt by Iran to close the strategic waterway.
- Iran claims a cargo ship sank after hitting a naval mine, but UKMTO suggests unidentified projectiles were involved.
- The increased attacks coincide with rising US fuel prices and precede the US midterm elections.
- Iranian officials stated the strategy aims to frustrate US efforts to lower global oil prices and influence the US vote.
- Iran has reportedly begun using new tactics, including unarmed spotters in small boats to identify targets.