Iran Strikes 2 Fuel Tankers in Iraqi Waters
Late Wednesday night, two fuel tankers operating in Iraqi waters were struck in an attack attributed to Iran, igniting both vessels and leaving at least one crew member dead, according to port authorities and maritime security sources. Officials say the tankers were targeted by explosive-packed boats.
The incident marked a further escalation in Iran’s campaign against shipping and oil infrastructure in the region. Earlier the same day, three other commercial vessels were damaged by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz and in surrounding Gulf waters. With the latest incidents, at least 16 ships have been hit in suspected Iranian attacks since the conflict began.
Iran acknowledged responsibility for the tanker strikes. State media reported that an Iranian underwater drone operation had destroyed two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.
Authorities in Iraq said rescue crews pulled 37 sailors from the two burning vessels. The ships involved were identified as the Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, and the Zefyros, registered in Malta. Both had been carrying fuel loaded in Iraq.
Additional violence unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz. A Thai bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by two projectiles that caused a fire and knocked out the vessel’s engine room, according to its operator. Three crew members remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped onboard, while 20 others were evacuated and taken to Oman. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later said Iranian fighters had opened fire on the ship.
Two other vessels—a container ship and another bulk carrier—were also hit by projectiles. Authorities reported that both ships stayed afloat and no injuries were recorded.
Following the tanker strikes near Basra, Farhan al-Fartousi, head of Iraq’s General Company for Ports, said operations at the country’s oil terminals were temporarily suspended, though regular commercial ports would continue functioning.
Elsewhere in the region Wednesday, Iranian attacks continued to focus on Gulf oil infrastructure and transportation networks. A drone strike near Dubai International Airport injured four people. Despite the incident, flights continued to operate at the airport.
The wave of attacks has sharply disrupted shipping traffic through the area, bringing maritime movement close to a halt and creating major concerns about global energy supplies.
President Trump said Wednesday that vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz would soon experience improved security. He did not provide details but said ships would “see great safety” very soon.
At the United Nations, the Security Council approved a resolution introduced by Bahrain calling for an end to Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations. The measure passed with a 13–0 vote, while Russia and China abstained. Iran’s representative argued that the United States was the true aggressor and accused it of misusing its role as the current head of the council.
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