The conflict in the Middle East intensified after two oil tankers were attacked in the Persian Gulf. One of the vessels, Safesea Vishnu, is a US-owned crude oil tanker operating under a Marshall Islands flag, while the second tanker, Zefyros, is Maltese-flagged and owned by a Greek company. Both ships caught fire after the attack in Iraq’s territorial waters near Basra.
According to reports, Iran claimed responsibility for the incident and stated that its forces used underwater drones to strike the ships. The attack caused a major fire onboard and forced emergency rescue operations. At least 38 crew members were rescued, but one Indian sailor died in the incident. The Indian Embassy confirmed that the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated safely and moved to secure locations.
The attack occurred amid rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. In recent days, several commercial vessels have been targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes through which around 20% of global oil trade passes.
Experts warn that continued attacks on ships in this region could disrupt global oil supplies and increase fuel prices worldwide. The incident highlights the growing risks to international shipping and the potential economic impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.