Security conditions around the Strait of Hormuz have deteriorated further following a new series of attacks involving commercial and military vessels. Iran said it attacked 10 ships near the strategic waterway. The announcement followed U.S. strikes against five Iranian crude oil tankers. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported incidents involving several merchant vessels in the Northern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. According to UKMTO, the vessels were subjected to disabling fire during ongoing military activity in the region. UKMTO said it could not confirm whether the incidents caused casualties or environmental damage. US strikes five Iranian tankers U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers on 8 September. CENTCOM said the action followed two attempted ballistic missile attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against a U.S. Navy warship. According to CENTCOM, the warship avoided the attacks and no American personnel were injured. The five tankers were identified as Kaviz, Charminar, Horizon 1, Riesco and Derya. Four were struck in the Gulf of Oman, while Derya was targeted near Kharg Island. CENTCOM said the crews were instructed to abandon the vessels before the attacks. Iran claims attacks on vessels near Hormuz Following the U.S. action, Iran said it attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said its targets included two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers attempting to cross an area that Iran has declared off-limits. The Iranian claims have not been independently verified. The latest incidents represent another escalation in the security situation around one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Tanker struck in Iraqi waters Separately, the Panama-flagged tanker New Andros was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters on Wednesday, according to Iraqi port officials cited by Reuters. The tanker was carryi