Gulf Oil Chokepoint at Risk as Iran Strikes Three Ships and Hits Dubai Airport

Three commercial vessels were set ablaze in the Gulf on Wednesday as Iran launched strikes against neighbouring oil exporters, threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and sending global energy markets into turmoil.

The conflict follows U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that killed its supreme leader last month, fueling sharp swings in oil prices and escalating tensions across the Middle East.

The G7 energy ministers said they are “ready to take all necessary measures” and are discussing the potential release of strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize the market. Analysts warn that a prolonged closure of Hormuz, a route carrying 20 percent of global oil and gas and a third of fertilizer supplies, could devastate economies in Asia and Europe.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon said it had destroyed 16 mine-laying vessels to protect shipping, but drone and missile attacks persisted on Wednesday. A cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was evacuated after an “unidentified projectile” ignited a fire, while a bulk carrier and a container ship were hit off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned: “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before.”

Meanwhile, drones landed near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people. While Trump suggested naval escorts for tankers, experts questioned whether such efforts could safely restore maritime traffic.

“Any escort mission would likely face persistent threats from Iranian missiles and drones,” the Soufan Center said, adding that Iran’s 2,000–6,000 naval mines pose a major risk.

Iranian authorities remain defiant. Police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said all protesters would be treated as “enemies”, and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf confirmed they are “not seeking a ceasefire.”

Tehran residents are adjusting to the conflict. Mahvash, 70, said:

“We’ve put our faith in God. For now, there’s food in the shops; every day I go to buy greens and bread, that’s all.”

The U.S.-Israeli strikes began on February 28 with the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been named successor. Yousef Pezeshkian confirmed Mojtaba is “safe and sound.”

According to Iran’s health ministry, more than 1,200 have died and over 10,000 injured from the attacks. In Iraq and Lebanon, Iran-backed forces have also been targeted, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, including five more casualties reported in Qana, Lebanon.

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