Oil Tankers Attacked Near Iraq in Critical Strait Incident

The Middle East continues to face mounting tensions following an attack on two oil tankers in waters near Iraq. According to Farhan Al-Fartousi of the General Company of Iraqi Ports, speaking to Iraqi government television, one crew member has been killed and 38 personnel rescued, whilst search operations continue for those reported missing. Al-Fartousi did not specify the nationality of the crew members or provide details regarding those responsible for the attack.

Iraqi government media outlets reported to the national news agency INA that “two oil tankers became targets of sabotage,” according to reporting by Al Arabiya and Reuters. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil stated that it held “deep concern” over the incident involving the oil tankers in the Gulf, though it provided no further details.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, remains largely closed to oil tankers. Iran has vowed that not a single litre of oil will be exported from the Gulf whilst its conflict with the United States and Israel continues.

The State Organization for the Marketing of Oil (SOMO) confirmed in a statement that two oil tankers were attacked, without providing specifics regarding how the attack occurred.