Iran Attacks Two Oil Tankers in Iraq Territorial Waters, Forcing Iraq to Shut Oil Terminals

Early on March 11–12, two oil tankers operating in Iraqi territorial waters near the country’s southern export terminals were struck and set ablaze; Iranian authorities have claimed responsibility, saying underwater drones were used and that one of the vessels had been targeted after ignoring warnings.

“official who was not authorized to speak publicly”

88.5 WFDD

Multiple sources reported the strikes occurred near Basra/Al Faw and in a ship-to-ship transfer area, and Iraqi officials described the incident as sabotage that prompted an immediate halt to oil-terminal operations.

88.5 WFDD

Iraqi authorities and port officials said one crew member was killed and 38 others were rescued, with search-and-rescue operations continuing; the vessels were identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu (also referred to as Vishnu/Safesea Vishnu) and the Malta-flagged Zefyros, and both were carrying or transferring Iraqi oil products.

Reports described thick black smoke and fires spreading across decks and the surrounding water, and Iraqi and port officials noted the attacks took place while the tankers were in a sideloading or ship-to-ship transfer area.

Bangkok Post

Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) and port authorities described the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and a form of sabotage; in response, Baghdad ordered the suspension of operations at all oil terminals while commercial ports were reported to remain open, and officials said they reserved the right to pursue legal measures.

“Table of Contents Crude benchmarks experienced another sharp rally on Thursday as fresh tanker strikes and terminal shutdowns intensified concerns over Middle Eastern petroleum supplies”

Blockonomi

Iraqi port managers and the security spokesman framed the incident as a major blow to maritime safety and national economic security.

Iran publicly claimed responsibility through state media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, saying at least one targeted vessel had ignored warnings; Iranian statements and state outlets described the use of underwater or explosive-laden drones/boats.

Regional officials reported multiple related maritime and port attacks across the Gulf as Tehran stepped up strikes on energy infrastructure amid broader retaliation dynamics with the United States and Israel.

Bloomberg

The attacks intensified fears of a wider disruption to global energy supplies: Brent and U.S. benchmarks jumped sharply—Brent rose back toward $100 a barrel—despite the International Energy Agency’s unprecedented coordinated release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves.

“Home / World News / Two tankers attacked in Iraqi waters; oil terminals suspend operations Two tankers attacked in Iraqi waters; oil terminals suspend operations Iraq's State Organization for Marketing of Oil, or SOMO, named the tankers as Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and Malta-flagged Zefyros Advertisement”

Business Standard

Analysts warned the stockpile release could be overshadowed by ongoing maritime threats that have already reduced regional shipping and production and driven volatility in prices.

Daily Express