IRGC attacks, harassment persist in Strait of Hormuz - UKMTO

The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency says the threat level in the Middle East remains “severe” amid continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

It noted that a UAE tanker was hit in the waterway on Saturday and that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at “reduced levels,” with transits in the single digits.

“IRGC attacks and harassment activity persisted, including hailing, UAV overflight and targeted surveillance of commercial ships,” it said, using the acronym for unmanned aerial vehicles – drones.

“These actions continue to demonstrate Iran’s intent to assert presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on transiting vessels. Kinetic activity (projectile strikes and near-miss explosions) continued on the southern Omani approaches (Limah-Khasab-Kumzar),” it said.

UKMTO also warned of the continued risk of drifting and uncharted mines in the waterway.