Oil Tanker Fires Persist in Middle East Amid Hopes of Calm

Despite expectations of reduced tension in the Iran war, recent evidence suggests that tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and energy infrastructure in the Middle East are being targeted. Oil prices have dropped to their lowest in two months after US officials downplayed the need for further military action against Iran. Analysts point to a more conciliatory tone from US President Donald Trump since the Republicans' loss in the midterm elections on November 3.

Data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy shows no signs of decreased attacks in November, following 37 ships targeted in October, the highest monthly total since the war began. Video footage verified by Reuters shows the Singapore-flagged oil products tanker, Navيج8 Mيسي, on fire near the coast of Oman. Satellite images from the European Copernicus Sentinel-2 also reveal a large cloud of black smoke in the same location.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's navy claimed the tanker was one of three targeted on Sunday for using "unauthorized routes" through the strait. The ship is managed by Navيج8, which is majority-owned by ADNOC Supply and Services. Neither company responded to Reuters' email requests for comment. Meanwhile, US forces maintain a naval blockade on Iranian ports, with a recent incident involving a US military plane firing on a cargo ship.

The attacks have caused environmental damage, with oil spills from the affected tankers. Footage verified by Reuters shows an oil spill reaching Omani shores, while satellite images reveal oil slicks off the coasts of Oman and the UAE. The Omani government did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. Energy infrastructure and civilian facilities have also been targeted in other locations, including Saudi Arabia's Aramco, the world's largest oil company.

Iran and its allies have targeted sites, including Aramco offices. Footage verified by Reuters shows damage to an Aramco administrative building in Riyadh after a rocket attack claimed by the Houthis on November 8. The Saudi Energy Ministry stated that an Aramco building in Riyadh was targeted in a thwarted attack, with limited damage and no casualties.

The International Maritime Organization reports 130 incidents, mostly attacks, since the conflict began on February 29, resulting in at least 25 merchant sailors killed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported another tanker being attacked northeast of Lima in Oman, without specifying the attack's origin.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's navy stated that two tankers caught fire after hitting sea mines in an "unauthorized route" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key points

• Oil tanker fires continue in the Middle East despite efforts to ease tensions.
• Recent attacks have caused environmental damage and raised concerns about the security of energy infrastructure.
• The incidents have resulted in at least 25 merchant sailors killed since the conflict began.