Two cargo vessels have gone down in and around the Strait of Hormuz in the past day, as attacks on commercial shipping in the waterway reach their highest level since the US-Israel war with Iran began.

The Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride sank on Wednesday after being struck by an unidentified projectile and catching fire. Singapore’s maritime authority said all 21 crew members were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported. It described the attack as unprovoked, unjustifiable and a breach of international law.

Hours later, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said a second cargo ship had sunk after hitting a naval mine while trying to use what it called an unauthorised and hazardous route through the strait. It is the first time Tehran has reported a ship sinking from a mine during the conflict. A US official rejected the claim, saying Iran lied and that the vessel was most likely hit by a missile.

The sinkings come after a sharp surge in violence at sea. Ten vessels have been attacked in or near the strait since Sunday, including six on Sunday and four on Tuesday, according to security data.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre has logged about 20 attacks since the start of October, while the International Maritime Organization says the strikes this month have left two sailors missing and 12 injured.

Iran says it is stepping up operations in response to a US blockade of its ports and tougher sanctions introduced last month. Maritime risk firm MARISKS says container ships and bulk carriers, not just oil tankers, now face serious damage, and it describes some of Tehran’s claims as part of a psychological campaign to scare shipping away from the route.

The impact on traffic has been severe. Crude exports through the strait had recovered to pre-war levels in September while the US military escorted tankers, but shipments have since fallen back as the attacks multiplied. Before the war, roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the passage. Analysts say the attacks, along with Saudi-Houthi strikes elsewhere in the region, are keeping oil prices supported.

The conflict is also spreading beyond the Gulf. The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, including Riyadh, while Washington weighs how far to back Riyadh. The United Nations has warned that the fighting in Yemen has cut off life-saving food aid to 800,000 people, with hospitals overwhelmed by wounded civilians and fighters from the front lines.

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