Iran’s aggressive maritime acts escalate tension and threaten trade in the region

Iran's aggressive actions in international waters, marked by hijackings and attacks on vessels carrying essential commodities, have heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East.Tehran sees these moves as strategic manoeuvres in its ongoing struggle, particularly with the US, over its nuclear program. The targeting of key maritime checkpoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, is part of Iran's tit-for-tat strategy to strengthen its negotiation position with the West. The frequency of these attacks has increased since 2019, following the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal.

Efforts to revive the pact have failed, and Iran aims to raise costs for the West by disrupting international commerce, hoping to force the US and allies into negotiation. In July 2023, the US reported nearly 20 attacks or seizures of internationally flagged merchant vessels by Iran since 2021. The US Navy has heightened its presence in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for a significant portion of the world's crude oil.