Major Attack on Oil Tanker Near Kuwait
A large crude oil tanker was struck approximately 60 km outside Kuwaiti waters, near Mubarak Al-Kabir Port. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the master of a vessel at anchor reported hearing a massive explosion, followed by the rapid departure of several small boats from the scene.
Crude oil began leaking heavily from the tanker immediately after the blast.
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has confirmed the incident, though no official statement has yet identified the source or perpetrators of the attack.
Second Strike Near Iraq’s Khor Al-Zubair Port** On Thursday, another Bahamas-flagged oil tanker anchored at Iraq’s Khor Al-Zubair Port was targeted. According to Sonangol Marine Services, the explosion tore a large section from one corner of the hull, causing significant oil spillage into the sea. These repeated incidents have effectively paralyzed maritime traffic through key Gulf routes.
Iran Claims Full Control of the Strait of Hormuz: IRGC Warning
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has asserted complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that no vessel linked to the United States or Israel will be allowed safe passage.
China’s major shipping giant COSCO has canceled all services connected to Gulf ports.
Global shipping regulators report that more than 20,000 seafarers and crew members are currently trapped or stranded in the Gulf region, including around 15,000 aboard cruise and cargo vessels unable to move.
Iranian Warship Attacked Off Sri Lanka: 87 Sailors Killed
In the Indian Ocean, outside Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Iranian warship **IRIS Dena** was hit by a torpedo attack. The vessel had participated as a guest in Exercise MILAN 2026 hosted by the Indian Navy and was returning when the strike occurred.
87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack.
Sri Lankan authorities suspect involvement of a US Navy submarine that had been part of the exercise, with the assault taking place after the drills concluded.
A second Iranian warship remains in Sri Lanka’s EEZ; rescue efforts are underway for its crew. The issue was raised in the Sri Lankan Parliament, where Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the President, defense officials, and relevant authorities are fully aware and prioritizing the saving of human lives over escalation.
Global Impact and Rising Alarm** These attacks have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices have surged sharply, and shipping insurance companies have dramatically increased premiums for Gulf transits. Many operators are now rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope via Africa, significantly increasing both costs and transit times.
The conflict is no longer merely regional—it has become a direct threat to worldwide energy security and maritime commerce. The world watches anxiously to see how far this escalation will spread and how deeply it will affect global stability and supply chains.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World – March 5, 2026
