Explosion Near Basra Port in Iraq Kills One, Dozens of Crew Members Rescued

An explosion involving two foreign oil tankers near Port of Basra in Iraq has left one person dead, while dozens of crew members were rescued.

According to Iraqi port authorities, rescue teams safely evacuated 38 crew members from the vessels following the incident. Officials confirmed that one person died in the explosion, and search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

Initial reports say the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed. A security source in the Basra region told U.S. media that the blast may have occurred after an Iranian boat carrying explosive materials collided with the oil tanker. However, authorities said a formal investigation is still underway.

Ship-tracking websites also showed rescue boats surrounding both tankers shortly after the incident. Due to security concerns, Iraqi officials temporarily suspended operations at oil ports in the Basra region following the explosion.

In a separate incident near the Persian Gulf, the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 sailors from a Thai-flagged vessel that came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Oman News Agency.

Tensions in the Middle East have been rising recently, raising concerns about the safety of major oil shipping routes. The Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are among the world’s most important oil transport corridors, with about 20% of global oil shipments passing through the route.