Two foreign tankers transporting Iraqi oil have been attacked in territorial waters, leading to them catching fire, according to an Iraqi port employee who provided information to Reuters. Iraqi authorities have evacuated 25 crew members from the affected vessels, and the fires are still raging. There are unverified images circulating on social media purported to show intense flames on one of the ships.

Despite this incident, Iranian oil exports are reportedly continuing at a near-normal pace, even as exports from several other countries in the Persian Gulf have significantly declined. The situation suggests a complex geopolitical landscape in the region where military actions may have varying impacts on the oil market. Tankers and cargo ships remain heavily present in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for global oil shipping.

This recent attack raises concerns not only about maritime security in the Persian Gulf but also about the broader implications for global oil supplies and prices. With tensions in the region continually fluctuating, incidents like these can serve as flashpoints that might escalate into more significant conflicts involving various regional and international stakeholders.