Strait of Hormuz Becomes Danger Zone as Iran Escalates Attacks, Sinking Two Cargo Ships

Verified videos from CNN depict the Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sinking on October 13 after being struck by unidentified projectiles. In the last 24 hours, two cargo ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz, victims of separate incidents involving unknown projectiles. This escalation highlights the increasing risks to maritime traffic as Iran intensifies its efforts to control the vital waterway.

The GFS Pride, registered in Singapore, caught fire and subsequently sank on Tuesday while traversing the strait, as confirmed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. All crew members were safely rescued. CNN-verified footage shows the vessel taking on water amidst black smoke, with later satellite images revealing scattered cargo and a minor oil slick. Iranian state media, Press TV, claimed the ship struck a sea mine on an unauthorized route, a assertion that experts question, suggesting a drone attack is more probable.

The merchant vessel Cape Dao, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, also sank following a projectile hit on September 23, according to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). One Indian crew member lost their life in this incident. While numerous vessels have been targeted in the Strait of Hormuz this year, these are only the second and third ships to sink in the Middle East since the Iran war commenced in February, based on IMO data.

Attacks have markedly increased since late September, leading to a reduction in oil transit from the Middle East and a subsequent rise in global oil prices. This situation presents a persistent challenge for US President Donald Trump as the midterm elections approach, with voters prioritizing the cost of living, influenced by gas prices and tariffs.

Data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) underscores the significant risks, reporting nine attacks in or near the Strait of Hormuz since Monday, including a drone strike on a tanker. On Monday, only 4.147 million barrels of oil successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, less than a quarter of pre-war levels, according to maritime data tracking service Kpler. The seven-day average of oil flow through Hormuz has seen a sharp decline since early October.

"The sinking of Singapore-flagged GFS PRIDE marks a dangerous escalation after weeks of near-daily attacks on commercial shipping. Iran claims a naval mine; but a drone strike is more likely," stated former US Navy officer Charlie Brown, a senior adviser for United Against Nuclear Iran. He further questioned the potential US Navy response and the international community's tolerance for such threats to shipping and freedom of navigation.

The US military continues its blockade of Iranian ports to exert economic pressure. While Iran's economy is struggling, it had regained some leverage over the strait, with increased oil flow from other Gulf nations. This increase is attributed partly to US-military-escorted "dark" transits across the strait at night, where tankers disable their transponders. Iran's current escalation of attacks and threats appears aimed at reclaiming leverage, particularly with American voters heading to the polls.

The Trump administration's efforts to lower prices have included a controversial deal to ease some sanctions on Russia for diesel imports, though this has faced bipartisan criticism with uncertain prospects for substantial relief, as analysts predict potential record highs for diesel prices by November. CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report.