Shipowners Abandon Key Oil Route After New Attacks

Two commercial vessels were struck in the Strait of Hormuz this week, causing a sharp drop in traffic through the strategic waterway. The attacks targeted the container ship *Ever Lovely* and the tanker *M/T Kiku*, renewing fears about safety in one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints. While some ships continue to cross the strait, shipowner confidence remains uneven. Many operators are now rerouting vessels or pausing shipments, raising concerns about potential delays in global energy supplies. Security analysts say the strikes highlight the fragile state of maritime security in the region. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and investigations are ongoing.