Iraq suspended operations at its critical oil terminals on Thursday following attacks on two tankers in its territorial waters, escalating regional tensions amid ongoing confrontations between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. Security authorities confirmed explosions aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker chartered by an Iraqi firm and a Maltese-flagged vessel carrying Basrah Gas Company condensate.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, Iraq's port authority director, stated rescue teams evacuated 38 crew members and contained fires on vessels located 50 km offshore. One fatality was reported. The attack method – whether direct strikes or maritime explosives – remains under investigation.
This incident occurs three weeks after US-Israeli military actions against Iranian targets sparked retaliatory strikes by Tehran-aligned groups across the Middle East. Analysts warn the vital Gulf energy corridor faces heightened risks as regional powers test maritime security frameworks.
With Iraq's oil exports averaging 3.3 million barrels per day prior to the suspension, energy markets are monitoring potential supply chain disruptions. The State Organization for Marketing of Oil emphasized commercial ports remain operational while security assessments continue.
