Underwater Drones and Limpet Mines in Hormuz
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it has been using underwater drones carrying explosives to target commercial vessels. The shift in tactics is complemented by the renewed use of limpet mines, a weapon previously utilized by Iran in 2019. These devices are designed to attach directly to the hulls of ships, causing damage that can put vessels out of operation.
A recent incident highlights the threat to tankers passing through the Hormuz Strait. A small boat approached a passing oil tanker, and its crew successfully attached two explosive devices to the hull. The resulting explosions ignited a fire in the ship’s engine room, effectively disabling the vessel for several days. This method of attack, characterized by the use of small, inconspicuous boats operating among local fishing vessels, complicates detection efforts for patrolling forces.
Operational Challenges for US Naval Forces
Alessio Patalano, a naval warfare expert at King’s College London, noted that these tactics allow Iran to inflict substantial damage without significant financial investment. Because these small craft blend into the heavy maritime traffic of the strait, identifying and preemptively stopping them remains a difficult task for American military forces. The IRGC has claimed that three tankers were damaged by mines after allegedly disabling their own radar and guidance systems to bypass security. The Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that these vessels were attempting to traverse the strait via the southern route along the Omani coast, a path Tehran labels as illegal, though they did not specify the dates of these events or the flags under which the tankers were sailing.
The intensity of these incidents has reached a peak in recent months. The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) recorded over 35 separate incidents in October. By the first four days of November, at least five additional vessels had been struck. While the IRGC maintains that their actions are responsible for the damage, officials from Gulf nations suggest these claims are intended to incite panic among shipping companies and undermine confidence in American demining operations.
Crude Oil Exports Climb Toward Pre-War Levels
Despite the persistent threat of mines and drone attacks, oil flow through the Hormuz Strait has shown signs of recovery. Data from the tracking company Kpler indicates that, as of early October, oil shipments were nearing pre-war levels. More recent figures show that crude oil exports have climbed to approximately 82 percent of pre-war levels, while the export of refined products, such as gasoline, remains lower, hovering around 44 percent of pre-war volume. This reduction in traffic has caused export difficulties for Persian Gulf nations, contributing to a significant rise in global oil prices.
The U.S. government maintains that it retains control over the strait and has successfully cleared the passage of Iranian mines. American military forces in the region conduct near-daily operations to assist vessels and maintain a blockade against Iran, a costly effort that has nonetheless helped restore shipping flows toward pre-war averages.
Geopolitical Context of the Strait
The Hormuz Strait, a vital artery for the global oil trade, has become a focal point of conflict since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. Iran is currently attempting to block the waterway while simultaneously facing an American naval blockade. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in asymmetric maritime operations.
Iranian Forces Use Fishing Vessels to Track Commercial Traffic
What is the current status of the damaged vessel near the Omani coast?
Details regarding the status of the crew remain unclear as of the most recent reports.
How do Iranian forces use fishing vessels to facilitate attacks?
Small boats, often indistinguishable from local fishing vessels, act as scouts within the strait. They monitor commercial traffic and relay real-time positioning data to operators of missiles and drones, allowing for targeted strikes that are difficult for U.S. forces to track.
Why is there a discrepancy in reported shipping volumes?
While crude oil exports have reached 82 percent of pre-war levels, the export of refined products like gasoline remains at roughly 44 percent of pre-war volume. The exact timeline for when full shipping capacity might be restored remains unknown, as does the full extent of the damage to individual tankers involved in the recent spate of incidents.
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