Iraq Shuts Down Oil Terminals Following Attacks on Tankers in Persian Gulf

Baghdad. Iraq has completely shut down the operation of its oil terminals, officials said, a decision made following attacks on two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.

According to information provided to the Iraqi news agency by Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Iraqi Ports, the oil terminals have been completely closed, but the country's commercial ports remain operational.

The two attacked oil tankers were found ablaze in the Persian Gulf. Initial reports suggest the accident was caused by a strike from an Iranian water-drone carrying explosives. Officials stated that one crew member died in the incident, while 38 others were rescued.

At least six attacks on ships have been reported in the Persian Gulf region since Wednesday alone. This appears to be turning the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil transport route, into a major center of conflict.

The Iraqi state-owned oil marketing company, State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), has warned that this incident will negatively affect Iraq's security and economy.