The Wall Street Journal's claim: Iran increased asymmetric attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz The Wall Street Journal claimed in a report that Iran increased asymmetric attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz using explosive underwater drones, rocket-propelled grenades and stick mines. According to this newspaper, the purpose of these measures is to disrupt oil exports and increase pressure on Washington in a situation where negotiations between Tehran and the US have reached an impasse.