Story perspectives

Iran expands tanker attacks to Qatar, UAE as oil spikes

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 2:28 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

IRGC Expands Tanker Attacks

Iran's Revolutionary Guard expanded tanker attacks to Qatar and the UAE on Oct. 7 and 9.
At least 12 oil, LNG and LPG tanker attacks were recorded Sep. 28-Oct. 5, the highest weekly total.
UKMTO reported a tanker north of Qatar was hit by projectiles, causing casualties, the first strike in six months.
IRGC warned any vessel using unauthorised routes will be pursued and punished throughout the region.

Summary

Oil Prices Surge

Oil prices broke $100 per barrel, with Brent at $104.48 and WTI at $92.05.
VLCC charter rates on the Persian Gulf-China route rose to $1.6 million daily, from $65,000 last year.
Shippers pay sailors up to $25,000 per trip, about a year’s wages, to cross the Strait.
Insurance and voyage costs now total $30-40 million per roundtrip for oil producers navigating Hormuz.

Summary

India Condemns Strike

The Panama-flagged MT On Peace was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring eleven Indian seafarers.
Omani authorities evacuated the wounded to Khasab for emergency medical treatment.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and urged an immediate end to maritime strikes.
The vessel is listed on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority blacklist for alleged transit violations, highlighting crew risk.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988 the United States launched Operation Praying Mantis, sinking three Iranian speedboats, a frigate and a missile boat, destroying two oil platforms and pushing Iran toward a cease-fire in the Iran-Iraq War. The strike followed the 1987-88 Operation Earnest Will convoy protecting Kuwaiti tankers. Today the IRGC’s attacks on commercial ships echo those Gulf confrontations, raising insurance costs and oil prices.

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IRGC Expands Tanker Attacks

Iran's Revolutionary Guard expanded tanker attacks to Qatar and the UAE on Oct. 7 and 9.
At least 12 oil, LNG and LPG tanker attacks were recorded Sep. 28-Oct. 5, the highest weekly total.
UKMTO reported a tanker north of Qatar was hit by projectiles, causing casualties, the first strike in six months.
IRGC warned any vessel using unauthorised routes will be pursued and punished throughout the region.

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