Iran is increasing its asymmetric naval tactics in the Strait of Hormuz, with more than 35 naval strikes in October.
Tactics include suicidal unmanned surface vessels, unmanned underwater vehicles, limpet mines, rocket launchers, and small vessels for maritime patrol and surveillance. Oil flows through the strait reached about 7.8 million barrels per day in the week ended Nov. 1, about 45 percent of prewar levels, according to Kepler data. The International Energy Agency said that the cost of transporting oil from the Persian Gulf to Asia rose to about $37 a barrel in mid-October. The continuation of events may increase the cost of protecting trade routes and affect the flow of energy, insurance and maritime transport.