Iran Claims Oil Tanker Attacks Near Iraq as Fires Break Out in Persian Gulf Amid Rising Tensions
The conflict in the Middle East grew more serious after Iran claimed responsibility for attacks on two oil tankers near Iraq. The blasts killed at least one crew member and forced rescue teams to save dozens of people from the burning ships.
The attacks happened in waters connected to the Persian Gulf, a key route for global oil transport. Videos shared online show a tanker on fire, with large flames and thick smoke rising from the sea.
The incident comes as tensions continue to rise in the region due to the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel.
Iran’s state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that underwater drones were used in the attack. The broadcaster said the drones struck two oil tankers during the night.
Officials in Iraq confirmed that one crew member died in the incident, while 38 people were rescued from the burning vessels. Rescue teams are still searching for missing crew members.
Farhan Al-Fartousi from Iraq’s General Company for Ports said authorities are still trying to identify the nationality of the crew member who died.
Early reports suggest one tanker was registered under the flag of Malta, while the other may belong to the United States. Iraqi officials said the ships were likely targeted in a sabotage attack.
Footage of the burning tanker quickly spread on social media. The videos show a ship surrounded by flames and smoke in the open sea.
The clips were also shared by Turkey’s state news agency Anadolu Agency. According to the agency, the tanker caught fire after an attack near Basra, close to Umm Qasr Port in southern Iraq.
Some videos show a large fireball rising from the ship before the vessel becomes fully covered in flames.
Reports from Reuters say Iran may be using naval drones to attack oil tankers. These small unmanned boats carry explosives and can strike ships at sea.
Similar drone tactics have been used in the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Security experts say such drones allow attackers to target ships without sending large naval forces.
The latest incident follows several earlier attacks on ships in the region.
On March 1, a crude oil tanker named MKD VYOM was hit about 44 nautical miles from the coast of Oman. The blast caused a fire in the engine room and killed one crew member.
The attack was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which monitors shipping security in the area.
Another tanker, Sonangol Namibe, was struck near Khor al Zubair Port in Iraq. The ship was sailing under the flag of Bahamas. The operator, Sonangol Marine Services, said the incident is still under investigation.
In another incident, a Thai ship called Mayuree Naree, which was sailing toward India, was hit by two unknown projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly criticized the attacks. The ministry said commercial ships should not be targeted during military conflicts.
Officials also said several previous attacks have already caused deaths, including some involving Indian citizens.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. Around 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow waterway.
Iran has warned that it may block oil shipments moving through the strait while the conflict continues.
Many shipping companies are now watching the situation closely because any disruption could affect global oil supply.
At the same time, several Gulf countries say they have intercepted missiles and drones believed to have been launched by Iran.
These countries include:
The developments suggest the conflict could spread further across the region.
The violence is also increasing in other parts of the Middle East. Israel has carried out airstrikes in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, targeting positions linked to Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Iran and Hezbollah have launched coordinated attacks on Israel.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war could end if certain conditions are met. These include recognition of Iran’s rights, payment for damages, and guarantees that future attacks will not happen.
Donald Trump said the United States will protect oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military has also said it destroyed several Iranian vessels that were trying to place sea mines in the shipping route.
Energy markets around the world are watching the situation carefully. Attacks on oil tankers and threats to block shipping routes could affect global oil supply.
Iran has warned that oil prices could rise sharply if the conflict continues and exports from the Gulf are disrupted.
Experts say the situation remains tense, and further attacks could have a major impact on global trade and energy markets.
Also Read: US Destroys 16 Iranian Mine-Laying Ships as Iran Begins Placing Mines in Strait of Hormuz
Christina Johnson is a proud born and raised Torontonian. Christina has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and the Financial Post. As a journalist for White Pine Tribune, Christina covers national and international developments.
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