Five Vessels Struck In Gulf, Strait Of Hormuz In Late-Night Attacks As West Asia Conflict Continues

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 11:06 IST

The latest attacks mark an escalation in the conflict between Iran ‌and U.S.-Israeli forces, raising the number of ships struck in the region since fighting began to at least 16.

Explosive-laden boats believed to be from Iran reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraq’s waters on Wednesday, setting the two vessels on fire and killing one crew member, according to port authorities and maritime security firms. The incident came after projectiles struck three other ships in Gulf waters earlier.

The attacks signal a further escalation in tensions between Iran and forces linked to the United States and Israel. With these latest incidents, the number of ships hit in the region since the conflict began has risen to at least 16. US-Israel-Iran War LIVE

Shipping in the Gulf and along the narrow Strait of Hormuz, opens new tab, which carries around a fifth of the world’s oil, has come to a near-standstill since the U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, sending global oil prices surging to highs not seen since 2022.

READ MORE: Indian Killed As Iran Targets US-Owned Oil Tanker ‘Safesea Vishnu’ Near Iraq

The ships targeted in late-night armed boat attacks in the Gulf near Iraq were the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu ​and the Zefyros, which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq, two Iraqi port officials were quoted by Reuters.

“We recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water," one port security official ​said, as Iraqi rescue teams continued searching for other missing seafarers.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. Iran’s reaction came as US President Donald Trump has threatened to ramp up US attacks on Iran if ​it continues to obstruct the strait.

On Wednesday, a Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel was struck by “two projectiles of unknown origin" while sailing through the strait. “Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room," the ship’s Thai-listed operator, Precious Shipping.

“The company is working with the relevant authorities to rescue ‌these three missing ⁠crew members," it said, adding that the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and were ashore in Oman.

Two Other Ships Minorly Damaged

According to Reuters, the Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty also sustained minor damage on Wednesday from an unknown projectile in the United Arab Emirates, two maritime security firms said.

All crew are safe, they ⁠said, adding that the vessel remains fully operational and seaworthy. The owner said the cause of the incident remained unclear and was under investigation.

A third vessel, a bulk carrier, was also hit by an unknown projectile near Dubai, maritime security firms said.

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