Iran has acknowledged its involvement in a recent attack on two oil tankers departing from Iraq. Startling videos and photos captured a large ship engulfed in flames and smoke during the incident. The assault occurred within Iraqi waters, as confirmed by Farhan al-Fartousi, the director general of the General Company for Ports in Iraq. Al-Fartousi stated that two foreign tankers carrying Iraqi fuel oil were targeted by unknown forces, resulting in fires on board.
Subsequent reports revealed that Iranian boats carrying explosives were responsible for the attack on the ships. Despite the rescue of 38 crew members, at least one person lost their life in the tragic event. Iran’s threat of oil prices skyrocketing to $200 per barrel has raised concerns over potential impacts on global fuel prices.
Following the attacks, Iraqi officials announced the suspension of all oil port operations in response to the security threats. These incidents coincide with a recent strike on an Iranian naval vessel near Bandar Abbas, as part of a joint US-Israeli military campaign.