Missile Hits Iranian Oil Tanker Near Strategic Kharg Island Hub
A small Iranian oil tanker was reportedly hit by a missile near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, causing explosions to rock the key oil hub. The incident has raised concerns over the security of Iran's oil exports and shipping in the region.
The tanker was struck by a missile on Saturday, according to Iranian media, citing local sources. Reuters reported that explosions were heard near Kharg Island, but the origin of the blasts is not immediately known.
Kharg Island is Iran's main crude oil export terminal and handles around 90 percent of the country's crude oil exports. The island's strategic importance has been highlighted by US President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened to seize it and take control of Iranian oil infrastructure.
The latest reports come days after US-Iran tensions escalated again following a month-long lull in direct military exchanges. The incident is likely to heighten concerns over the security of Iran's oil exports and shipping in the Persian Gulf, particularly given the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy supplies.
The impact on oil prices remains to be seen, but renewed hostilities between the US and Iran have already led to price increases amid disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.