Explosive-laden Iranian boats appear to have attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member on Wednesday, after projectiles struck four vessels in Gulf waters, said port, maritime security and risk firms. Both were attacked in the ship-to-ship loading area within Iraqi territorial waters, SOMO said. Iraqi oil ports closedIraq’s oil ports have completely stopped operations following the assaults, while commercial ports continue to function, Iraq's state news agency said, citing the head of the state-run General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the crew of one ship had been evacuated and were reported safe. One Iraqi port security source said Zefyros is flagged in Malta and provided Reuters with a list of crew names.

Source: The Telegraph March 12, 2026 20:34 UTC