Somali piracy off the Horn of Africa has resurged sharply in 2026, with eight successful hijackings recorded in the first nine months amid broader global declines in incidents. The uptick stems primarily from naval resource shifts tied to the Iran conflict that began in February, which reduced deterrence patrols while rerouting more commercial traffic nearer Somali waters. High oil prices and multimillion-dollar ransom potential have further incentivized pirate groups, especially in Puntland. Recent events include the April hijacking of the Honour 25, freed after crew fatalities, and the late-October seizure of the Iranian fishing vessel Azini, which authorities warn could serve as a mothership for attacks on merchant shipping. EU Operation Atalanta, Puntland forces, and other naval units have conducted rescues and monitoring, though response times vary. Traders assessing seizure probabilities weigh these ongoing operational patterns against continued international countermeasures through year-end.