Iranian projectiles strike five vessels in Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil chokepoint

Five commercial vessels were hit by Iranian projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, the latest in a pattern of attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that has turned one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors into something closer to a shooting gallery. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil trade. When projectiles start flying there, the consequences ripple through energy markets, shipping insurance desks, and commodity trading floors within hours. A year of escalating aggression The latest strikes are part of a broader campaign that has been building throughout 2026. Iranian forces have targeted commercial vessels with drones and projectiles in clusters during March, June, July, and August, primarily going after ships navigating what Iran considers unauthorized routes through its claimed waters. The most serious incident came on August 17-18, when the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Dignity was struck, killing one crew member. That attack marked a grim escalation from earlier incidents that had resulted in fires and crew evacuations but no fatalities. Monitoring agencies including the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operat...