The Iraqi government has ordered the suspension of all oil port operations after two oil tankers were attacked in the country's waters, causing severe damage and heightening energy security tensions.
Farhan Al-Fartusi, director of Iraq's port authority, told the Iraqi National News Agency on Thursday that all oil port operations in Iraq are currently suspended, while general commercial ports remain open as usual.
This decision followed attacks on two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf area, which led to intense fires, resulting in at least one crew member's death and 38 others being rescued.
Reports indicate that the attacks are believed to have been carried out by Iranian marine drones targeting the oil tankers.
Since Wednesday, there have been reports of attacks on at least six vessels in the Persian Gulf region amid increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint for global oil transportation, making these multiple recent attacks closely monitored by energy markets and maritime trade worldwide.
The State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) of Iraq stated that these events directly affect Iraq's security and economy, as the country relies heavily on oil exports as its main source of revenue.
:CNN
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