Iran claimed responsibility for attacks on two oil tankers in Iraqi waters, killing at least one crew member and leaving 38 rescued. The vessels, Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, were struck by what Iran called an "underwater drone" near Basrah. Both ships, owned by US-based Safesea Group and Greece's Michael family group, were engulfed in flames after the March 11 attacks.

Iraqi authorities confirmed the strikes occurred within territorial waters, calling it a sovereignty violation. Operations at nearby oil ports were suspended as verified footage showed flames spreading across surrounding waters. The UK Maritime Trade Operations advised caution in the area following third-party reports of the incident.

The attacks follow a pattern of escalating maritime strikes since February 28, with at least 13 cargo vessels targeted in the region. Hours later, an unidentified projectile hit a Maersk-operated containership off Jebel Ali, causing a small engine room fire but no casualties. The Source Blessing, Liberia-flagged and loaded with cargo from Qatar, was sailing near the UAE when struck.