Iran Strikes Two Oil Tankers in Iraqi Waters, Setting Them Ablaze as Gulf Shipping Crisis Deepens

 Iranian forces launched a brazen attack on two foreign oil tankers in Iraqi territorial waters in the northern Persian Gulf early Thursday, engulfing both vessels in flames, killing at least one crew member, and prompting Iraq to suspend operations at its key oil terminals.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time near Basra, roughly five nautical miles off the coast, well north of the Strait of Hormuz and hundreds of miles from its narrow chokepoint. Iraqi port officials identified the targeted ships as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu, owned by U.S.-based Safesea Transport, Inc., and the Maltese-flagged Zefyros, operated by a Greek company. Both were carrying Iraqi fuel oil and were reportedly engaged in ship-to-ship transfers when struck by what authorities described as explosive-laden boats or unmanned surface vehicles associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran's IRGC claimed responsibility for at least one of the strikes, releasing footage showing the Safesea Vishnu burning fiercely. In the video, an IRGC member is heard shouting praises to the regime and its leadership, framing the action as retaliation in the ongoing war with the United States and Israel. At least 38 crew members were rescued from the two vessels, though one fatality was confirmed amid the chaos of fire and explosions. Iraqi authorities moved swiftly to shut down nearby oil terminals, halting exports and further tightening the regional energy squeeze.

This latest escalation fits into a pattern of intensified Iranian maritime attacks since the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran began on February 28. Over the past two weeks, at least 16 commercial vessels including multiple oil tankers have come under fire in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC has employed a mix of drones, missiles, projectiles, and explosive boats to target shipping, aiming to disrupt global energy flows and pressure Western economies. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, reiterated in his first public statement that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed to shipments benefiting the U.S. and its allies, warning that oil prices could climb to $200 per barrel.

The attacks have effectively strangled traffic through the strait, which normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Commercial crews are increasingly reluctant to transit the area amid fears of mines, drones, or direct hits, while insurers have pulled back coverage for high-risk voyages. Global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel in recent sessions before easing slightly, reflecting the market's anxiety over prolonged disruptions.

The U.S. Central Command has countered by sinking dozens of Iranian vessels, including minelayers, in efforts to keep lanes open. President Donald Trump has urged tanker crews to "show some guts" and push through, while suggesting the U.S. Navy could soon escort ships. Yet analysts warn that Iran's asymmetric tactics low-cost drones and boats continue to impose heavy costs on defenders and shippers alike.

Iraqi officials expressed outrage over the violation of their waters, viewing the strikes as a direct threat to national interests. The incident has heightened regional tensions, with Gulf states intercepting Iranian drones and missiles aimed at their infrastructure. Environmental concerns are also mounting, as stranded tankers loaded with millions of barrels risk spills that could devastate the Gulf ecosystem.

As the war enters its third week, maritime security remains precarious. Coalition forces patrol aggressively, but the broader strategy appears focused on degrading Iran's capabilities while avoiding full-scale naval confrontation. For now, the Persian Gulf's vital arteries stay vulnerable, with every new strike rippling through global markets and underscoring how quickly energy security can unravel in conflict.