US-Iran Tensions Spill Over to Egypt as Gas Tanker Attacked

Tensions in the Middle East have risen again after a gas tanker was targeted in a drone attack at Damietta Port, Egypt.

According to a report by the maritime security company Ambrey, the attack triggered a discharge of water from the vessel’s firefighting system following an incident in the port area on Wednesday (29/7/2026).

Videos circulating on social media show plumes of smoke and firefighting efforts around the gas tanker Energos Winter. Reuters has verified the location of the incident by matching the port infrastructure, storage tanks and ship tracking data. The vessel’s identity was also confirmed based on the shape of its hull, mast and foredeck, which matched archival documentation.

Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum confirmed that a fire occurred at Damietta Port. However, there has been no official statement on the exact cause of the incident, nor any reports of casualties.

A day after the incident, on Thursday (30/7/2026), activity at Damietta Port was still observed continuing amid heightened security in the area. A number of vehicles were also seen passing through towards the port area, located on the Mediterranean coast in Damietta Province.

Damietta Port is one of Egypt’s key gateways for exports and imports, including shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The incident once again highlights the growing security risks to energy infrastructure and strategic shipping lanes in the region, which could affect global energy supply chains should the escalation continue.