Kuwaiti oil tanker struck by Iranian drone at Dubai port

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced early Tuesday that its giant crude carrier, Al Salmi, was targeted by an Iranian drone at 12:10 a.m. local time while positioned in the anchorage area of Dubai Port in the United Arab Emirates. The vessel was fully loaded with crude oil at the time. The attack damaged the tanker’s hull and ignited a fire aboard. Dubai authorities confirmed that emergency response teams successfully contained the incident, with no injuries reported among the 24 crew members.

Kuwait Petroleum initially warned of a potential oil leak into surrounding waters, but Dubai’s Media Office later confirmed that no spill occurred. The attack underscores the vulnerability of commercial shipping in Gulf waters amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Since February 28, Iran has repeatedly targeted vessels and energy infrastructure across the region, disrupting global supply chains.

Following the news, oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose more than 3 percent, trading at $106.05 per barrel. Brent crude climbed 2.57 percent to $115.35. The price surge reflects persistent market fears over the security of energy shipments from the Gulf, which accounts for a significant portion of global oil supplies.

Ankara has consistently warned that attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure threaten not only regional stability but also global economic security. Türkiye has called for restraint from all parties and emphasized the importance of maintaining safe passage for civilian shipping in accordance with international law. Turkish officials continue to advocate for diplomatic de‑escalation, warning that further strikes on energy assets will only deepen the crisis and harm nations far beyond the conflict zone.