A Greek-managed chemical tanker has been struck by a suspected Iranian drone in the northern Persian Gulf, marking a sharp escalation in regional hostilities that have effectively paralyzed one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The Zefyros, a Maltese-flagged vessel managed by the Athens-based Benetech Shipping, was targeted shortly after loading fuel in Iraq.
Two Iraqi port officials confirmed the vessel was in Iraqi waters when it was hit. A second, U.S.-linked tanker, the Safesea Vishnu, was also reportedly struck in a simultaneous attack.
Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy confirmed that no crew members were injured.
Footage released following the incident showed the successful rescue of the mariners, and ship-tracking data provided by MarineTraffic placed the 183-meter vessel at anchor in the northern Gulf by Thursday afternoon.
Benetech Shipping is headquartered in Voula and owned by brothers George and Vassilis Michail.
George Michail, who founded the company in 2005, is a prominent figure in the Greek shipping community and is married to the daughter of Apostolos Vakakis, the founder of the Jumbo retail chain.
The strike occurs as Iran continues to block maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply passes.
The blockade and subsequent drone strikes have driven maritime insurance premiums to record highs and prompted several global shipping firms to suspend operations in the area.
This latest aggression follows a series of retaliatory strikes between Iran and regional powers, turning the Gulf into a volatile front line.
Security analysts warn that the targeting of Greek-managed assets underscores the indiscriminate nature of the current drone campaign, posing a severe threat to global energy stability.