Israeli billionaire's oil tanker collided with bomb carrying drone off Oman coast amid Iran conflict, read details

East Pacific Shipping, a Singapore-based company, ultimately owned by Israeli tycoon ‘Idan Ofer’, operates Pacific Circon. The diesel-carrying Pacific Zircon was "hit by an artillery shell" about 150 miles off the coast of Oman, the East Pacific Shipyard said in a statement. Connection to the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi was unsuccessful. However, Israel's Defense Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment.

Iran was immediately suspected, even though no one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Iran and Israel have been fighting a covert war in the Middle East for many years. Some drone attacks have targeted Israeli-affiliated vessels that are cruising the seas. As word of the attack spread, oil prices slightly increased, with benchmark Brent crude trading above $94 per barrel.

Two crew members were killed in 2021 when the Israeli-affiliated oil tanker ‘Mercer Street’ was struck by a suspected Iranian drone strike off the coast of Oman. On Wednesday, when this recent incident happened, it wasn't immediately clear where the ship was. Non-proliferation experts warn that since the collapse of the nuclear agreement with Iran, the Islamic Republic now has enough enriched uranium to build at least one nuclear weapon. However, Tehran insists that its program is peaceful.

FAQ

1. Why did oil prices move up slightly?
Answer:- Due to an attack on an oil tanker around the coast of Oman.

2. When did the incident happen?
Answer:- The incident took place on the night of November 15.