Maritime security

Container ship sinks near Hormuz after being hit by projectile, sources say

The loss of the GFS Pride marks the second vessel to sink since the US-Iran war began on February 28, according to data from the UN shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization.

Vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of the port city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on September 5, 2026; illustrative
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, addresses the media at a press conference during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 25, 2026.

Iran says Strait of Hormuz could reopen within a week as Tehran weighs US response

The INS Drakon at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany, in August 2023.

Israel Navy moves toward semi-autonomous fleet with robotic ships

Israeli soldiers clean tar off the Palmachim beach following an offshore oil spill which drenched most of the Israeli coastline, February 22, 2021

'Sponge of the sea': Israeli researchers develop aerogel that captures, breaks down oil spills


Iran's last card: Will the Houthis try to rejoin the war amid Israeli strikes? - analysis

The US threats to intervene against Iran have apparently led the Houthis to reconsider their stance, leading to Iran possibly playing its final card.

Houthi supporters protest in solidarity with Palestinians and Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen June 20, 2025

Iran and Israel trade accusations at UN shipping agency over sea lanes

Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to traffic in retaliation for Western pressure.

 IDF Naval Commander V.-Adm. David Saar Salama and Iranian Navy Commander R.-Adm. Shahram Irani (illustrative).

Two oil tankers collide and catch fire near Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf to the northwest with the Gulf of Oman to the southeast and the Arabian Sea beyond.

 A view of a ship on fire in the area of reported collision between two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, United Arab Emirates, June 16, 2025

Former Israeli Navy chief: Handling of Gaza flotilla incident was a 'diplomatic failure'

The Gaza Flotilla was "a completely unnecessary event that should have ended as a diplomatic event," the former Navy commander said.

Activist Greta Thunberg seen aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, with an Israeli Navy vessel seen in the background

Red Sea marine traffic jumps by 60% in wake of Houthi, US ceasefire

The number of merchant ships using the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait increased after missile and drone attacks by the Houthis slowed.

 Houthi protesters hold weapons during a demonstration in Sanaa, Yemen, May 30, 2025

Greta Thunberg's flotilla en route to Gaza: How is the IDF preparing?

The IDF is prepared for the arrival of the protest flotilla called the "Freedom Flotilla". It will take control of the vessel and deport protestors if necessary.

A drone view shows the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen, organized by the international NGO Freedom Flotilla Coalition, anchored off the coast of Catania, Italy, on June 1, 2025

Pakistan bars Indian ships, test-fires missile as tensions soar

Islamabad and New Delhi impose mutual sanctions, close borders, and place forces on alert after a deadly April 22 attack in Kashmir.

 A Pakistani Ranger stands guard during the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at the border gates of Pakistan and India at the Wagah border post near Lahore on May 4, 2025.

Trump considering plan to disrupt Iranian oil supply, stop ships at sea

John Bolton, the lead negotiator for the initiative when it was formed, told Reuters "it would be fully justified" to use the initiative to slow down Iran oil exports.

 Valve on an Iranian gas pipeline (illustrative)

Iran's new aircraft carrier could be a rising threat to Israel

Iran boosts naval power with a new aircraft carrier, triggering Israeli security concerns over the fate of the Middle East.

 Upward-sloping deck of the Shahid Bagheri.

Crew of Hong Kong flagged ship rescued after explosion sparks fire off Yemeni coast

AP reported that the ship was drifting and on fire about 225 kilometers off the coast of Hodeidah, a port city in Yemen held by the country’s Houthi rebels.

Explosions take place on the deck of the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion on the Red Sea, in this handout picture released August 29, 2024.