Giant oil tanker hit by Iranian strike off Dubai following Trump’s threats

Business March 31, 2026 admin 27 views 0 comments

A fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai was attacked and set ablaze by Iran early Tuesday, following recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States would destroy Iran’s energy plants and oil wells if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.

The Kuwait-flagged tanker, Al-Salmi, is the latest vessel to be targeted in a series of strikes involving missiles and explosive air and sea drones in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz since the February 28 attacks on Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces.

The month-long conflict has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands, disrupting energy supplies, and raising fears of a global economic downturn.

Crude oil prices briefly spiked after the attack on the tanker, which can carry around 2 million barrels of oil, valued at more than $200 million at current market rates.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, owner of the tanker, confirmed that the strike caused a fire and hull damage early Tuesday. Authorities in Dubai later reported that the fire had been brought under control following the drone attack, with no oil spill or injuries to the crew.