Five commercial vessels were hit by Iranian projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, extending a pattern of attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that has heightened risks in a waterway carrying roughly 20% of the world’s oil trade. Iranian forces have targeted commercial ships with drones and projectiles in clusters during March, June, July and August 2026, mainly against vessels using routes Iran considers unauthorized through its claimed waters. The most serious incident occurred on August 17-18, when the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Dignity was struck and one crew member was killed. UKMTO (United Kingdom maritime security monitoring organization) and JMIC (maritime information-sharing center) have documented multiple strikes and continued issuing transit cautions. A June strike sent Brent crude up more than 2% to around $75 per barrel, while rising insurance premiums have increased shipping costs. Analysts warn that further escalation could disrupt global energy supply chains and oil pricing, prompting some operators to consider longer routes that avoid the Strait.