Maritime Tensions: Iran Attacks Vessel in Hormuz as Italy Prepares Independent Red Sea Escort Plan

Maritime security conditions in the Middle East remain highly complex, with strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb experiencing repeated security incidents, increasing risks to commercial shipping operations in the region.

Oil Products Tanker Attacked in the Strait of Hormuz

On Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it had attacked the Trend, a Togo-flagged oil products tanker, in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the IRGC, the action was intended to prevent the vessel from carrying out what Iran considers an “illegal” activity by transiting the strait without complying with the transit requirements imposed by Iran.

According to information released by the IRGC, the Trend has a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of approximately 7,119 and was hit by gunfire, forcing it to stop after a fire broke out on deck. However, the details of the incident have not been independently verified.

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a security incident approximately 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. However, UKMTO has not confirmed whether the incident was directly linked to the Trend.

According to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the organization has verified a total of 80 attacks targeting commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February.

Maritime Industry Calls for Freedom of Navigation

As risks to commercial shipping increase, Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), addressed the United Nations Security Council yesterday.

He emphasized the maritime industry’s position on freedom of navigation through international straits: “Straits cannot become a place where commercial shipping is required to obtain permission, negotiate passage, or accept arbitrary restrictions, simply because geopolitical tensions have escalated. This is not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn according to the political circumstances of the day.”

The ICS Secretary General’s remarks highlight the maritime industry’s concern that requirements or restrictions on passage could disrupt commercial shipping through key international waterways.

Italy Prepares Independent Escort Plan in the Red Sea

Further south, the Italian government is preparing a separate escort plan for commercial vessels linked to Italy when transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The move comes as security conditions in southern Yemen remain complex, while shipping companies continue to assess the risks of operating through the Red Sea.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome did not want to wait for the European Union’s Operation Aspides to decide when vessels could resume their voyages. Instead, Italian military authorities have been instructed to prepare a separate plan to protect the country’s commercial vessels.

According to information released by the authorities, at least 10 Italian-flagged vessels or vessels owned by Italian companies are currently waiting at anchor in the region pending arrangements to ensure safe passage.

Italy’s preparations for an independent escort plan come as governments and shipping companies continue to seek ways to maintain maritime operations through strategic chokepoints while security risks in the Middle East remain high.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Splash247)

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