Iran Drone Attack Sparks Fire on US Oil Tanker Near Sharjah
New Delhi: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East took a dramatic turn today when a US oil tanker caught fire near the coast of Sharjah, reportedly due to a drone strike by Iran, specifically targeting the vessel.
Eyewitnesses and footage from the UAE coastline showed massive plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. The incident marks one of the most direct attacks on US-linked maritime assets since the Strait of Hormuz was partially closed, highlighting the expanding risks to commercial shipping in the region.
Escalating Conflict in the Middle East
The attack comes as the US and Israel intensify operations against Iranian military positions, while Tehran is reportedly targeting global energy supplies in retaliation. The strike followed a stark warning from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who vowed to retaliate against Western assets in the region for recent attacks on Iranian military sites.
Emergency response teams quickly mobilized to extinguish the fire and rescue the limited crew on board, causing global energy markets to spike. Oil prices surged to $150 per barrel, and maritime insurance rates for the Persian Gulf soared nearly out of control.
This incident underscores that the so-called “shadow war” has dangerously extended to key international maritime trade routes. Areas beyond the Hormuz chokepoint are now effectively combat zones, putting global oil transport at heightened risk.
Previous Attacks and Pentagon Response
Just days ago, a submarine drone attack near Basra further highlighted the vulnerability of tankers in the region. The Pentagon is reportedly considering a revival of Cold War–era tanker escort protocols to protect remaining global oil supply routes.
Trump’s Statement
Earlier, President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities were being “completely neutralized.” However, this bold attack suggests that Iran is employing a flexible and asymmetric strategy, using economic instability as a weapon worldwide.
In a brief phone interview with Axios, Trump said the conflict with Iran would be “over soon,” claiming that “there’s practically nothing left in Iran to target.” He added, “Just a little bit of cleanup left… whenever I want this war to end, it will end.”
The incident near Sharjah signals that energy security in the Persian Gulf remains highly fragile, and global markets continue to face unprecedented uncertainty as tensions escalate.
