The incident followed earlier reports that three cargo vessels were hit by what were described as “unknown projectiles” in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Reuters and other outlets reported that the tanker fires were caused by explosive‑laden boats that Western officials say appear to be linked to Iran, though responsibility has not been independently verified. Ship‑tracking data showed rescue vessels gathered around the damaged tankers, while Iraqi authorities said operations at the country’s offshore oil export terminals were temporarily suspended after the attack, although commercial ports such as Umm Qasr remained open.