Iraq took swift and decisive action on Thursday, March 12. The country shut down all oil port operations following attacks on tankers. Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of Iraq’s General Company for Ports, confirmed the suspension. He stated clearly that oil port operations had stopped. However, he added that commercial ports continued operations. Furthermore, ships stayed in waiting areas near North and South Um Qasr ports. Loading and unloading activities continued at those commercial terminals.
The attacks targeted tankers in Iraqi territorial waters near Basra. An explosion struck a tanker carrying petroleum products from Iraq’s SOMO company. The vessel was actively loading fuel in the Ship-to-Ship transfer area. Additionally, a smaller Maltese-flagged tanker suffered direct hits during the attack. Both vessels caught fire immediately after the explosions. Consequently, rescue teams rushed to the scene without delay. Naval units coordinated with company rescue teams in the STS zone. Together, they recovered 38 people from the stricken vessels. Sadly, one person lost their life in the attack. Meanwhile, specialized firefighting tugs from Basra Oil Port deployed to battle the fires. Search-and-rescue teams continue looking for missing crew members.
UKMTO Issues Urgent Attack Warning
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations authority responded rapidly. UKMTO issued an urgent “ATTACK” warning across maritime channels. The warning described a serious maritime incident in the northern Gulf. Officials reported the incident occurring five nautical miles south of Al Basrah. A Company Security Officer confirmed attackers struck two tankers with unknown projectiles. The strikes caused fires aboard both vessels immediately. Nevertheless, crews evacuated safely from both affected ships. Furthermore, UKMTO confirmed no environmental damage at the time of reporting. Authorities also confirmed a separate incident 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali in the UAE. A container ship there also took a hit from an unknown projectile. All crew members aboard that vessel remained safe.
This attack marks the 13th day of the escalating West Asia crisis. The region has seen a sharp surge in maritime hostilities recently. Earlier on March 1, Iran launched its first sea-based drone strike. The attack targeted the crude oil tanker MKD VYOM near Oman’s coast. The strike killed one crew member and triggered a fire in the engine room. Additionally, a small craft struck the Bahamas-flagged tanker Sonangol Namibe near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port. Moreover, Turkey’s Anadolu Agency reported that Iran attacked a foreign oil tanker near Umm Qasr port. Footage of a massive fireball rising into the sky spread widely on social media.
India Expresses Grave Concern
India strongly condemned the escalating attacks on commercial shipping vessels. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp statement on the situation. The MEA condemned the targeting of commercial shipping in the ongoing conflict. India pointed out that precious lives, including Indian citizens, had already died. The ministry further noted that attacks were increasing in intensity and lethality. Consequently, India called on all parties to stop targeting civilian maritime vessels.
Also Read: Iran Widens Gulf Strikes, Putting US-Israeli Economic Interests Under Pressure
US Eyes Military Action Against Iran
The United States responded forcefully to the growing maritime threat. President Donald Trump discussed destroying Iranian mine-laying vessels with US military commanders. The aim was to prevent Iran from laying mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Iran’s Navy Chief issued a direct warning to international shipping. He stated that vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz needed Iran’s approval. Otherwise, those vessels could face targeting by Iranian forces. As a result, global shipping companies now face an extremely dangerous situation in Gulf waters.
Iraq operates two major offshore oil terminals, ABOT and KAAOT. These terminals export the vast majority of Iraq’s crude oil to global markets. Therefore, the suspension of oil port operations threatens global energy supplies significantly. Iraq’s SOMO company manages all crude oil marketing and exports from the country. Additionally, Iraq’s General Company for Ports manages five major ports across the country. These include Umm Qasr North, Umm Qasr South, Khur Al-Zubair, Abu Floos, and Maqil ports. Ultimately, the attacks on Iraqi waters have created a serious and growing energy security crisis for the entire world.
