12.03.2026 07:20
Two oil tankers were attacked in regional waters near Iraq's Basra Port. As a result of the attack, a large fire broke out on one of the tankers. Iraq closed its oil ports following the explosion of one of the two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. While it is still unknown who carried out the attack, the statement made by Iranian General Staff spokesman Brigadier General Ebulfazl Shekarchi hours before the attack drew attention.
It was reported that two oil tankers were attacked in the regional waters near Iraq's Basra Port.
MAJOR FIRES ERUPTED
According to local Iraqi media, two oil tankers were targeted in the regional waters near Basra Port. The attack caused a large fire on one of the tankers. Images allegedly related to the fire were published on social media.
20 SAILORS EVACUATED
It was reported that an Iraqi ship went to the location of the burning tanker and evacuated nearly 20 sailors so far. It is still unknown who carried out the attack.
IRAQ CLOSED OIL PORTS
Following the explosion of one of the two oil tankers in the Iraqi Gulf, it was reported that the oil ports were closed. Farhan Fartusi, the General Director of Iraqi Ports, speaking to the official Iraqi news agency INA, stated that one of the two oil tankers exploded, and 31 people were rescued, while search efforts for missing persons are ongoing.
WHO CARRIED OUT THE ATTACK IS UNKNOWN
Fartusi noted that the oil ports were closed due to the explosion, but the activities of commercial ports continued. He mentioned that one of the tankers was flying the Maltese flag.
While it is still unknown who carried out the attack, the statement made by Iranian General Staff Spokesman Brigadier General Ebulfazl Shikarçi hours before the attack drew attention.
STRIKING STATEMENT FROM IRAN
According to Iranian media, Shikarçi, in a television program he attended, made statements regarding the announcement by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) urging "civil port workers and crews in Iran to stay away from facilities where military activities are conducted."
Emphasizing that all elements of the Revolutionary Guards are on the ground, Shikarçi stated that they control the Gulf of Basra, saying, "If there is even the slightest threat to our ports, no port or dock in the Persian (Basra) Gulf will be safe, and all ports and economic areas in the region will become legitimate targets for us." Shikarçi also called on regional countries not to allow their territories to be used for U.S. attacks.
A WARNING FROM THE U.S.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had warned civilians to stay away from ports used by Iran along the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement made by CENTCOM, it was claimed that Iran "uses civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations."