Iran threatens ships going dark in Hormuz

Iran has warned that merchant ships switching off their identification and tracking equipment during what it deems unauthorised passages through the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as hostile, raising the stakes for vessels navigating one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water.

The warning comes as fresh details emerge of a wave of … Menu Dry Cargo Middle East Operations Tankers Iran threatens ships going dark in Hormuz Sam Chambers October 13, 2026 0 563 1 minute read X.com X.com Iran has warned that merchant ships switching off their identification and tracking equipment during what it deems unauthorised passages through the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as hostile, raising the stakes for vessels navigating one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water.

The warning comes as fresh details emerge of a wave of attacks on Sunday that extended beyond tankers to containerships.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued four retrospective alerts on Monday covering three tankers and a containership struck on October 11, bringing the day’s reported total to six.

An unidentified projectile struck the boxship as it entered Hormuz.

A crude tanker, product tanker and another tanker were struck during outbound transits.

Vessel identities and the extent of damage were not immediately disclosed.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), meanwhile, claimed to have attacked a VLCC attempting to transit without permission, releasing footage purportedly showing the fire-damaged, 298,800 dwt Al Maqam , owned by ADNOC Logistics & Services.

It remains unclear whether the purported strike was among those reported by UKMTO or represents another incident.

Two Indian seafarers remain missing after Sunday’s drone strike on the Nicaragua-flagged Petro Dolphin off Sohar, Oman.

Menu Dry Cargo Middle East Operations Tankers Iran threatens ships going dark in Hormuz Sam Chambers October 13, 2026 0 899 1 minute read X.com X.com Iran has warned that merchant ships switching off their identification and tracking equipment during what it deems unauthorised passages through the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as hostile, raising the stakes for vessels navigating one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water.