Drone strikes tanker in Iraqi waters; multiple Gulf vessels hit overnight

A Panama-flagged tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil was hit by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters, sparking a fire, while UKMTO reported several merchant vessels in the Gulf were struck by disabling fire overnight. This marks an escalation in attacks on shipping amid US-Iran tensions, with no casualties reported but significant disruption to Gulf maritime traffic. The incident underscores the vulnerability of energy shipping lanes and the risk of broader regional conflict.