Iraq suspended operations at its oil ports after the attack on two tankers carrying Iraqi fuel in the country’s waters, in yet another episode of the escalation of the war in the Middle East. The vessels caught fire, and at least one crew member died, according to port authorities, maritime security companies and risk consultancies. 
According to reports, Iranian boats loaded with explosives appear to have hit both ships, further raising tension in a region already under pressure due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The attack occurred after shells hit merchant vessels in Gulf waters.
The episode happened on the same day that oil prices rose sharply again. , amid fears of further interruption in global supply.
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Pressure on the energy market has also increased with new signs that navigation through Hormuz remains far from normal. Reuters reported that there is still no indication that ships can safely cross the route again, even after measures adopted by consumer countries to contain the crisis. 
In addition to the attack on ships in Iraq, the conflict continued to affect energy infrastructure in other Gulf countries. Iran also attacked fuel tanks in Bahrain, drones struck storage facilities in the port of Salalah in Oman, and Saudi Arabia intercepted drones heading towards the Shaybah oil field.
(com Reuters)
