18 Ships Hit and Over 1,100 Children Casualties in the US–Israel war against Iran

Six ships have been attacked in the Persian Gulf this week, bringing the total number of vessels struck since the US–Israel war against Iran began to eighteen, according to the BBC. The escalation follows a vow from Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who in his first public statement promised to keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

One of the most dramatic incidents involved a US‑owned tanker bound for India that was rammed by an explosive‑laden speedboat. Verified video shows a massive blast ripping through the vessel before flames engulfed it. Iraqi authorities say 38 crew members were rescued, but one person was killed.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital trade routes, carrying about 20% of global oil. With many of the attacks concentrated near this narrow corridor, only a handful of ships have passed through in recent days as companies fear further strikes.

Energy prices have already surged past 120 US dollars a barrel, with Iran’s military warning they could rise to 200. In response, the International Energy Agency says 32 countries have agreed to release 400 million barrels of emergency reserves to help stabilise the market.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to grow. UNICEF reports more than 1,100 children have been killed or injured across the region since the conflict began on February 28, calling the situation catastrophic and urging an immediate end to the fighting.