The Associated Press reported that the Pacific Zircon, an Israeli oil tanker hauling diesel, was hit by a bomb-carrying drone Tuesday evening approximately 150 miles off the Omani coast. The following morning, Brent crude prices rose to and traded over $94 per barrel. The United Kingdom Trade Operations began monitoring the region’s shipping lanes once they became aware of the attack and have begun investigations. Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, who owns Eastern Pacific Shipping, stated, when the vessel was “hit by a projectile … there were no reports of injuries or pollution.” Iran has become the immediate suspect for the incident though no one has claimed responsibility.
