Dan Senor on why Israel launched airstrikes on Iran
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
44 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Iran Seizes Foreign Oil Tanker: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, suspected of carrying around 2 million liters of smuggled fuel, according to local media. Newsweek has reached out to the Iranian Foreign Ministry for comment. Why It Matters Iran has long cited fuel smuggling and maritime violations to justify its tanker seizures, part of broader efforts to assert control over the Persian Gulf—a vital artery for global energy. The actions have previously caused tensions with the U.S. and allies and raised concerns over the safety of oil shipping routes. U.S. sanctions have crippled Iran's oil exports, while recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities added to the economic pressure with direct action aimed at curbing Tehran's strategic capabilities. The seizure of the tanker comes at a time of continuing high tension. This archive picture taken on October 31, 2022 shows a view of an oil tanker, seized by Iranian naval forces at the Gulf port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. This archive picture taken on October 31, 2022 shows a view of an oil tanker, seized by Iranian naval forces at the Gulf port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. IRNA/AFP/Getty Images What To Know The vessel was seized along Iran's maritime borders in the Sea of Oman, on suspicion of carrying smuggled fuel after authorities found its cargo's legal documentation was incomplete, according to the semi-official Mehr News Agency. Authorities did not disclose the name, nationality or destination of the vessel but published photos after the seizure. The Chief Justice of Hormozgan Province has announced the seizure of a foreign oil tanker on charges of smuggling 2 million liters of fuel in the Sea of Oman.#BREAKING #BreakingNews — Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) July 16, 2025 Chief Justice of Hormozgan Province Mojtaba Ghahremani said 17 people, including the captain and crew were arrested. Located in southern Iran with numerous ports, the province is a major gateway for Iran connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. Fuel smuggling is a recurring challenge in Iran, with millions of liters smuggled daily, according to officials. In 2024, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf estimated that Between 25 and 30 million liters of products are smuggled out of the country every day in an organized process, Iranian media reported. In April, Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of smuggling diesel fuel amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. over maritime security in the region. Despite heavy Western sanctions, Iran has managed to sustain a thriving global oil trade by using a shadow fleet of tankers that operate covertly to evade restrictions, selling to buyers in Asia and using the revenue to support its economy and fund allied militias across the Middle East, a Reuters analysis said in January. What People Are Saying Hormozgan Province Mojtaba Ghahremani, as quoted by Reuters: "The actions of fuel smugglers, who in coordination with foreigners, attempt to plunder national wealth will not remain hidden from the judiciary and punishment of perpetrators, if their crimes are proven, will be without leniency." What Happens Next Iranian authorities are investigating the vessel. The ship's identity could shape how the country involved would respond legally and diplomatically.
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Drone attacks on oil fields in Iraq's Kurdish region shut down another facility
BAGHDAD (AP) — Drones targeted oil fields in Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region Wednesday, the latest in a series of attacks in recent days that have put several oil facilities out of commission. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which have exacerbated tensions between the central government in Baghdad and Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish region's anti-terrorism department said two drones attacked an oil field in the district of Zakho, causing damage but no injuries. DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas company operating the field, said its operations were 'temporarily suspended following three explosions early this morning, one involving a small storage tank at Tawke and the other involving surface processing equipment at Peshkabir.' It said there were no injuries and a damage assessment was underway. The attack came a day after another oil field in Iraq 's Dohuk province operated by a U.S. company was set ablaze, also after being struck by a drone. The Kurdish region's Ministry of Natural Resources said the attacks were meant "to disrupt the economy of the Kurdistan Region and threaten the safety of civilian employees of the energy sector,' and called for federal authorities to intervene to stop them. Earlier this month, the Kurdish regional government accused the Popular Mobilization Forces — a coalition of Iran-allied militias that are officially under the control of the Iraqi military — of carrying out drone attacks. The Iraqi army said the accusation was 'issued in the absence of evidence' and said it could 'provide hostile parties with justifications to undermine Iraq's stability.' Iran-backed armed groups have periodically attacked U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria. During last month's Israel-Iran war, some of them threatened to target U.S. interests and bases in the region if Washington got involved.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Drone Attacks Strike US-Owned Oil Field in Iraq
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A drone attack has targeted U.S.-owned oil and gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region. No group has claimed responsibility, but Iraqi Kurdistan security sources said initial investigations concluded the attacks came from areas controlled by Iran-backed militias. The American embassy in Iraq said the Khormala and Sarsang oil fields, managed by HKN Energy, had been hit by drones on Monday and Tuesday. Production at the Sarsang field was halted, according to Reuters and images showed the fiery aftermath of the strikes. The embassy urged the Iraqi government to "exercise its authority to prevent armed actors from launching these attacks against sites within its own territory." This is a developing story; updates to follow.
