Oil tanker hit in Iraqi waters, as vessels get caught in US-Iran attacks
The US and Iran are engaged in a wave of tit-for-tat attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. A Panama-flagged tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters, while multiple other merchant ships have been disabled by fire. US diesel prices reached an all-time high of $6.05 per gallon on Friday as crude oil prices jumped 10% this week. Brent futures hit $106 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reached $101 amid the six-month-old conflict.
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- ✓ A Panama-flagged tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil was hit by a drone in Iraqi waters.
- ✓ US diesel prices reached $6.05 per gallon as of Friday.
- ✓ Brent futures were at $106 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate traded at $101 as of 0800GMT Friday.
- ✓ Crude oil prices increased by approximately 10% on a weekly basis on Friday.
What changed
Iran claimed strikes on 20 vessels including US navy destroyers, though the US denies these specific attacks.
Live updates
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US and Iran Trade Attacks on Shipping as Fuel Costs Surge
The US and Iran are engaged in a wave of tit-for-tat attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. A Panama-flagged tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters, while multiple other merchant ships have been disabled by fire. US diesel prices reached an all-time high of $6.05 per gallon on Friday as crude oil prices jumped 10% this week. Brent futures hit $106 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reached $101 amid the six-month-old conflict.
Why it matters
This escalation centers on US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The conflict has expanded in geographic reach and frequency, directly impacting global shipping lanes. High energy prices are now affecting domestic US markets.
What is confirmed
- A Panama-flagged tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil was hit by a drone in Iraqi waters.
- US diesel prices reached $6.05 per gallon as of Friday.
- Brent futures were at $106 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate traded at $101 as of 0800GMT Friday.
- Crude oil prices increased by approximately 10% on a weekly basis on Friday.
Still unconfirmed
- A Greek-owned VLCC was hit by a drone in Iraqi waters.
What to watch next
- Meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss shipping through Hormuz.
- Verification of reported strikes near Oman's Khasab.
- Official US response to Iranian claims of strikes on navy destroyers.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (21)
- reuters.com — Oil tanker hit in Iraqi waters, as vessels get caught in US-Iran attacks
- The Jerusalem Post — Panama tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil struck by drone in Iraqi waters
- Arizona Daily Star — US, Iran hit tankers
- Breakingthenews.net — UK: Another naval incident reported near Iraq's coast
- Anadolu Ajansı — Iraq says oil tanker hit by unidentified source in territorial waters
- The Times of Israel — Several merchant vessels said hit in Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- The Indian Express — World News Today Live Updates: Iran claims strikes on 2 US vessels, 8 tankers, 10 ships in Gulf, Hormuz
- Seatrade Maritime News — Tankers caught at centre of US-Iran escalation spiral
- Newsquawk — A US official tells NewsNation on reports of strikes in Iran near the Strait of Hormuz that there are no attacks being carried out by US forces right now: “We're not currently striking”
- Foreign Policy — Iran Launches Massive Attack on Global Shipping
- Newsquawk — US Energy Secretary Wright says current refining capacity is a bigger problem than crude oil supply
- Middle East Eye — Iraq says fuel oil vessel struck in its territorial waters
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