Iran Sinks US-Owned Tanker in Iraqi Waters — 1 Indian Crew Killed; Iraq Oil Terminals Suspended

Iran launched underwater drone 'suicide boats' against the Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned crude oil tanker MV Safesea Vishnu and the MV Zefyros in Iraqi territorial waters near Basra — the first oil-related strike in Iraq's waters during the war. One Indian crew member was killed; 25 total crew were rescued by an Iraqi Ports Company vessel as fires burned on both ships. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB confirmed the operation, stating underwater drones 'blew up two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.' India's embassy in Baghdad confirmed the remaining 15 Indian crew of the Safesea Vishnu were safely evacuated. Iraq subsequently suspended operations at its southern oil export terminals — a significant development given Iraq exports roughly 3.3M bbl/day. The total number of ships struck in the Gulf region since Feb 28 rose to at least 16.