A Panama-flagged tanker, MT On Peace, was struck by an unverified projectile on October 6 near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring 11 of its 19 crew members (17 Indian nationals) [2]. Omani authorities evacuated the injured to Khasab for treatment; India's MEA condemned the attack and called for an end to strikes on civilian shipping [2].

The attack coincided with renewed escalation messaging. On October 8, Iran declared that transit routes in Hormuz deemed illegal by Tehran would soon be closed, with IRGC adviser Naqdi stating the strait is closed under full Iranian control [1]. US Secretary of State Rubio disputed this on October 7, saying Iran had lost complete control and that oil flow was nearly at prewar levels [1].

Maritime security data shows at least 12 attacks on oil, LNG, and LPG tankers in the week to October 5, with drone overflights and surveillance persisting [1]. Brent crude topped $100 per barrel amid the mixed messaging [1]. A third US aircraft carrier sailed to the region last week [1].

The insurance-based effective closure remains operative; independent oil passage through Hormuz is still unconfirmed [1][2]. Tanker sailings remain suppressed, and the IRGC's claim of 10 daily transits vs Rubio's near-prewar assertion cannot both be verified from current reporting [1].