Iran Hits Giant Kuwaiti Oil Tanker Near Dubai Despite Trump Threats

The giant Kuwait-flagged tanker Al-Salmi, carrying up to 2 million barrels of crude worth over $200 million, was hit early on March 31, triggering a fire and hull damage.

Authorities later confirmed the blaze was contained following what they described as a drone attack, with no reported injuries or oil spill.

The incident follows weeks of escalating attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a route that normally carries around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Oil markets reacted immediately. Brent crude has surged 56% this month to above $113 per barrel, while U.S. gasoline prices crossed $4 per gallon for the first time in over three years, according to GasBuddy data.

The strike reinforces fears of supply disruption as tensions intensify around one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

The attack came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would “obliterate” Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said a second deadline of April 6 had been set, with ongoing negotiations continuing alongside military escalation.

The conflict, ongoing since February 28, has expanded across multiple fronts. Iran-aligned Houthis have launched missiles and drones, while Israel has conducted strikes in Tehran and Beirut.

Iran’s military said recent attacks targeted U.S. positions across five bases in the region, while NATO air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace.

The United States has deployed thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, signaling readiness for further escalation, including potential ground operations.

At the same time, diplomatic channels remain active. Iran has received proposals via intermediaries but described them as “unrealistic, illogical and excessive.”