Calls grow for Strait of Hormuz ship escorts as Iran escalates attacks

At least five cargo vessels were hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Four seafarers were killed when two missiles struck a UAE-flagged tugboat attempting to assist a stranded container ship north of Oman. U.S. Central Command reported Iran is using civilian ports to conduct military operations threatening international shipping.

Traffic through the Strait, which typically handles 20% of global oil supply, has dropped to near zero due to Iranian attack threats. The U.S. military destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying naval vessels on Tuesday amid concerns Iran is preparing to deploy mines in the waterway.

Eurasia Group assessed that a 47-nation naval partnership (Joint Maritime Information Center) is developing a plan for safe vessel movements, likely requiring until end of March or early April to fully establish. The White House confirmed the U.S. Navy has not yet escorted a tanker but stated this remains an option President Trump will utilize if necessary. Approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently working on ships in the Persian Gulf.