Two oil tankers were struck in the Gulf on Thursday, leaving one person dead and causing fresh disruption to shipping as fighting intensified between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance.
The incidents occurred near Iraqi waters on the 13th day of the war. Iraqi authorities said at least 38 crew members were rescued from the vessels and search operations were continuing for other sailors. Officials described the ships as having been “subject to sabotage”, prompting a temporary halt to operations at Iraq’s oil terminals, although commercial ports remained open.
Iran acknowledged striking one vessel, while Iraqi officials believe Tehran was responsible for both attacks. The Iranian military said the ships had ignored warnings before being targeted.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck the Mayuree Naree tanker and a Liberia-flagged vessel in waters close to the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil normally passes.
The attacks deepened an energy crisis already affecting global markets, with oil prices surging despite large releases from strategic reserves by major economies.
Meanwhile, Iran continued missile launches towards Israel, firing five salvos by mid-afternoon on Thursday, although Israeli authorities reported no injuries. The strikes followed coordinated attacks the previous night involving Iran’s Lebanese ally Hezbollah.
Since the conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, Iran has targeted sites across the region and warned it could block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional governments have reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles over residential areas and near diplomatic facilities.
Furthermore, the war is also proving costly. A report by the New York Times citing a Pentagon briefing said the first week of fighting alone cost the US more than $11.3bn, excluding many expenses linked to the military buildup before the strikes.
Elsewhere in the Gulf, drones hit fuel storage tanks at Salalah Port, forcing a suspension of operations.
Oman has also begun moving vessels away from its main oil export terminal at Mina Al Fahal outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has warned the conflict could escalate into a prolonged war capable of “destroying” the global economy and has threatened attacks on technology companies operating in Israel and the wider region.
