A tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile on Oct. 4, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, in the latest wave of attacks around the waterway. The vessel sustained engine-room damage, but all crew were reported safe and no environmental impact had been identified when the warning was issued. The incident was the fourth vessel hit in the latest sequence of attacks since the start of October. The attacks threaten a recovery in Middle Eastern oil exports after Gulf producers restored shipments toward prewar levels through tanker shuttle operations, with vessels loading inside the Persian Gulf, exiting Hormuz and transferring crude to tankers waiting outside the strait. The rebound was also supported by U.S. naval protection and earlier strikes that knocked out Iranian radar and communications along the waterway. JPMorgan estimates regional crude shipments at about 17.5 million barrels per day, or roughly 98% of prewar levels; that figure covers the Middle East overall rather than only Hormuz traffic. Flows through the strait itself reached about 12.8 million barrels per day in September, while Saudi Arabia restored additional export capacity through alternative routes. The stronger supply outlook pushed Brent down to around $102.59 a barrel earlier in the week, although prices remained well above prewar levels. Repeated attacks continue to support a geopolitical risk premium by raising insurance and freight costs and potentially prompting shipowners to seek additional compensation for transiting the corridor.