International media reported that six additional ships were attacked in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran war. The attacks targeted vessels linked to the United States and Europe, bringing the total number of ships hit in the region to at least sixteen since the conflict began. Maritime traffic through the narrow strait has nearly come to a halt since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.

According to reports, an explosive-laden Iranian boat attacked oil tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member and destroying two ships. The incidents followed projectile strikes on four other vessels in the Gulf. Iraqi port officials identified the destroyed ships as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safe Sea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zephyros, both carrying fuel products from Iraq. Iraq’s state oil marketing company SOMO said Safe Sea Vishnu had been chartered by an Iraqi firm under contract with them, while Zephyros was transporting fuel for the Basra Gas Company.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments, and the attacks have raised concerns about further disruption to energy transport in the region.