While missile and drone attacks have dominated the protracted Iran war, cyberwar is emerging as a new battlefield. After suffering damage to its military bases across West Asia, the US is now probing whether Iran launched cyberattacks on oil tankers.&nbsp;On August 21 and 24, a team of cyber experts from the FBI and US Coast Guard boarded two foreign-flagged commercial oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico that were heading to Texas. The agencies had received complaints about network breaches on the vessels.&nbsp;After assessing the potential harm to the ships, the teams did not detect any operational disruption or physical danger to the crews. However, Rear Admiral Amy Grable, who heads the US Coast Guard's cyber command, told CBS News that investigators did find evidence of malicious cyber activity.&nbsp;While the US has not directly blamed Iran, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported a cyberattack on one of the vessels, VL Prosperity, on August 20.&nbsp;VL Prosperity is a supertanker capable of carrying roughly 2.3 million barrels of oil. It departed from Egypt's Sidi Kerir port on August 1.&nbsp;According to Mehr News Agency, the vessel was targeted in a major cyberattack in the Strait of Gibraltar on August 7. The report claimed that hackers infiltrated the vessel's engine room systems.The hackers allegedly reduced the engine's cooling flow, increased the engine speed and disabled its fuel and engine oil tank systems. Crucially, the report claimed that all communications on the vessel were cut off for around 30 hours.&nbsp;However, the report did not identify who was responsible for the attack.&nbsp;Modern commercial vessels increasingly rely on internet-connected systems for navigation, propulsion and steering. A successful cyberattack could potentially cause a vessel to block a waterway, trigger a pollution incident or create security hazards for ports and waterways.&nbsp;Even a relatively small disruption can have a major economic impact, given the importance of commercial shipping and oil supplies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-iran-to-rein-in-houthis-after-saudi-arabia-s-appeal-for-help-report-1789657903169">China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s appeal for help: Report</a>&nbsp;American agencies, including the FBI, have also issued advisories warning critical infrastructure stakeholders about alleged Iranian-affiliated cyber hacking activity.&nbsp;According to the agencies, these threats pose a serious concern to America's drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as sectors that rely on them.&nbsp;In July this year, more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota were targeted in a coordinated cyberattack. Subsequently, the FBI warned that cyberattacks had been reported in at least seven US states and had degraded water operations.&nbsp;According to reports, US agencies are probing a possible Iranian connection to these attacks.It remains to be seen what steps the US can take to minimise the risk of such incidents and protect critical infrastructure from potential cyberattacks.

The US is investigating possible Iranian-linked cyberattacks on commercial oil tankers after cyber experts found evidence of malicious activity on two vessels heading to Texas.

While missile and drone attacks have dominated the protracted Iran war, cyberwar is emerging as a new battlefield. After suffering damage to its military bases across West Asia, the US is now probing whether Iran launched cyberattacks on oil tankers. On August 21 and 24, a team of cyber experts from the FBI and US Coast Guard boarded two foreign-flagged commercial oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico that were heading to Texas. The agencies had received complaints about network breaches on the vessels. After assessing the potential harm to the ships, the teams did not detect any operational disruption or physical danger to the crews. However, Rear Admiral Amy Grable, who heads the US Coast Guard's cyber command, told CBS News that investigators did find evidence of malicious cyber activity. While the US has not directly blamed Iran, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported a cyberattack on one of the vessels, VL Prosperity, on August 20. VL Prosperity is a supertanker capable of carrying roughly 2.3 million barrels of oil. It departed from Egypt's Sidi Kerir port on August 1. According to Mehr News Agency, the vessel was targeted in a major cyberattack in the Strait of Gibraltar on August 7. The report claimed that hackers infiltrated the vessel's engine room systems. The hackers allegedly reduced the engine's cooling flow, increased the engine speed and disabled its fuel and engine oil tank systems. Crucially, the report claimed that all communications on the vessel were cut off for around 30 hours. However, the report did not identify who was responsible for the attack. Modern commercial vessels increasingly rely on internet-connected systems for navigation, propulsion and steering. A successful cyberattack could potentially cause a vessel to block a waterway, trigger a pollution incident or create security hazards for ports and waterways. Even a relatively small disruption can have a major economic impact, given the importance of commercial shipping and oil supplies. Also Read: China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s appeal for help: Report American agencies, including the FBI, have also issued advisories warning critical infrastructure stakeholders about alleged Iranian-affiliated cyber hacking activity. According to the agencies, these threats pose a serious concern to America's drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as sectors that rely on them. In July this year, more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota were targeted in a coordinated cyberattack. Subsequently, the FBI warned that cyberattacks had been reported in at least seven US states and had degraded water operations. According to reports, US agencies are probing a possible Iranian connection to these attacks. It remains to be seen what steps the US can take to minimise the risk of such incidents and protect critical infrastructure from potential cyberattacks.

The US is investigating possible Iranian-linked cyberattacks on commercial oil tankers after cyber experts found evidence of malicious activity on two vessels heading to Texas.

US fears Iranians launched cyberattacks on oil tankers | Gravitas

The Global Oil Shock Is Moving From Energy Markets to the Streets. Brent Crude Has Surged Above $100 a Barrel as Conflict Disrupts Oil Production, Shipping and Key Routes Including the Strait of Hormuz. the Iea Estimates Global Oil Supply Could Fall by 5.7 Million Barrels a Day in 2026. From Syria and Guatemala to Portugal and Parts of Asia, Rising Fuel Prices Are Triggering Protests, Transport Disruption and Growing Pressure on Governments. the Crisis Is Raising a Bigger Question: How Long Can Economies Absorb the Rising Cost of War? Watch the Video to Know How the Rising Fuel Prices Is Affecting You Directly. 


$100+ oil hitting people hard: From Asia to Europe, anger erupts

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared the era of "proportionate responses" is over, warning any future US aggression will trigger a "faster, heavier, and more painful" reply. It comes after US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers off Kharg Island and near Jask, retaliating for IRGC missiles fired at two Navy warships — both of which evaded the attack. Iran hit back, targeting tankers and US-linked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.


US-Iran war: Ghalibaf issues fresh threat, vows further attacks will be 'more painful' 

South Korea is considering whether to support a U.S.-led effort aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. While Seoul says no final decision has been made, military options reportedly include deploying patrol aircraft and a support vessel. If approved, it would mark South Korea's first major maritime security mission in the region since 2009.


South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz

South Korea weighs role in US military effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea weighs joining US Hormuz mission as Gulf tensions rise

The Trump administration is reportedly examining long-term strategies to reduce America's strategic dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil chokepoints. The move comes amid recurring tensions in the Gulf and concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies. Alternatives could include new pipeline networks, expanded export infrastructure and stronger partnerships with regional allies.


US is looking for ways to completely bypass the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy corridor, carrying around 20% of the world’s oil flows. Any disruption in the waterway could significantly affect global oil supplies, prices and energy markets.

Hormuz normally carries around 20% of global oil flows 

Iran says talks with Oman on a temporary route through the Strait of Hormuz have made significant progress, raising hopes of easing the disruption to maritime traffic and restoring the flow of oil exports.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and continued concerns over shipping safety in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Any temporary arrangement involving Iran and Oman could have wider implications for global energy markets, international shipping and regional security.

Iran-Qatar hold Hormuz talks: Oman agrees to open shipping lane

A new report claims U.S. President Donald Trump moved ahead with military action against Iran despite warnings from senior advisers, intelligence officials, and military leaders. According to the report, concerns were raised about a possible global energy crisis, disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, military readiness, and the risk of empowering harder-line forces in Iran. The revelations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that preceded the U.S.-Iran conflict and the geopolitical consequences that followed.


Trump ignored warnings before Iran war, report claims

After months of confrontation with Iran, signs are emerging that Washington may be exploring a diplomatic off-ramp. Reports suggest the U.S. is considering forms of sanctions relief linked to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while American diplomatic personnel are gradually returning to parts of the Middle East. At the same time, reports of CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow have fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving Russia and Iran.

US-Iran war: Report suggests US offers sanctions relief to Iran to reopen Hormuz

Iran is furious after Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz 'new US territory'. With Tehran threatening to 'correct Trump's delusion' and Trump ruling out any immediate talks with Iran, is West Asia hurtling towards yet another escalation? 


Trump angers Iran with conquest map of Hormuz, Tehran threatens to 'correct his delusion'

President Trump says the Strait of Hormuz is open and operating normally, but global shipping markets appear unconvinced. While oil exports have begun to recover, commercial shipping traffic remains below normal levels, reflecting lingering concerns over security risks in one of the world's most important energy corridors. As oil prices approach $92 a barrel, traders continue to price in a Hormuz risk premium despite claims that the crisis has eased.


Hormuz crisis: Oil markets defy ‘open’ claim as shipping lags

Hormuz crisis: Oil markets ignore Hormuz 'open' claim as shipping

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding has expired, raising fresh uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire and the future of negotiations. Both Washington and Tehran have accused each other of violating the June agreement, while Iran says it has not decided whether to resume talks with the US. At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical flashpoint, with discussions over shipping routes and control of the strategic waterway continuing through regional mediators. 

As Qatar, Pakistan and Oman remain involved in diplomatic efforts, the 
end of the MoU could determine whether the conflict moves toward renewed negotiations or another dangerous escalation. What happens next between Washington and Tehran?

Us-Iran MoU expires: What happens next as Trump, Tehran clash over Hormuz? 

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the most resilient oil exporter in the Gulf. Since the start of June, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, or ADNOC, has sold more than 130 million barrels of crude through seven spot tenders, according to Bloomberg.

UAE becomes Gulf's top oil exporter through Hormuz during war

Oil prices have dropped as US-Iran tensions show signs of easing with progress reported in talks over the Strait of Hormuz. The developments have raised hopes of avoiding a major disruption to one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, impacting global energy markets.

US-Iran war: US official signals Hormuz deal could be struck within hours

Spain's World Cup triumph was overshadowed by controversy after U.S. President Donald Trump became a major talking point during the post-match celebrations.

The politician, who attended the final and took part in the trophy presentation alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, drew widespread attention for remaining close to Spain's players as they celebrated their victory.

US president scores another 'self-goal' at FIFA world cup final

Five fronts, and one global economy caught in the crossfire. From the Persian Gulf to the Hindu Kush, geopolitics is no longer a backdrop to trade, it's rewriting it.

Start with the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most consequential chokepoint. Since the U.S.-Israel-Iran war erupted in February, the world's seaborne oil trade and global LNG supply chains has taken a hit.

Hormuz blockade chokes 20% of world's oil

Five fronts, one global supply chain crisis

The rupee is unraveling in real time. India's currency touched an all-time low of 96.96 to the dollar in May, and has spent July grinding between 96.20 and 96.90, never far from that record. Wall Street analysts say the story now is not whether the rupee falls further, but how fast it gets to 100 per dollar. Three forces are converging.


Rupee nears record low of 97 as Strait of Hormuz tensions rattle oil markets again

Iran's Revolutionary Guards say two unidentified oil tankers exploded after hitting mines while trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz, but the claim didn't survive contact with Washington. US Central Command shot back on X: "Like most IRGC claims, this is false." Iran also says it "stopped" four more ships attempting to pass through the strait. Neither claim has been independently verified, as the vital shipping route remains effectively closed amid a week of escalating US-Iran strikes.


Hormuz crisis: Iran claims two tankers exploded after hitting mines 

Donald Trump claimed that newly declassified intelligence reveals China compromised millions of U.S. voter records and exposed vulnerabilities in America's election infrastructure. The announcement comes as the U.S. launches a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets, while tensions continue to rise across West Asia. CENTCOM also intensified maritime operations near Iran as Ukraine reported deadly Russian missile strikes on Odesa. Meanwhile, North Korea pledged stronger ties with China, SpaceX aborted its latest Starship launch seconds before liftoff, and Japan's stock market plunged amid growing concerns over the AI sector.

Stay tuned for the latest international developments, geopolitical updates, defence news, breaking headlines, and global affairs.

Trump claims China hacked U.S. election data | U.S. strikes Iran again | Starship launch aborted 

India’s vital trade and energy supply routes are facing severe disruptions due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, primarily involving US-Iran conflicts. Critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have become high-risk zones, driving up shipping insurance, freight costs, and overall transit times.


India's Trade Route Under New Threat

The Strait of Hormuz is tense, and the oil market is feeling it. Prices spiked overnight, but not everyone is losing. Big refiners are riding a rare margin windfall — crude is expensive, but product spreads are even better. Saudi Arabia has an ace: its pipeline advantage means it can still move oil even if the Strait shuts. That’s paying off big. Meanwhile, the UAE is feeling the heat as Gulf rivals take different routes and different risks. Profit is shifting fast.


Hormuz crisis: Who’s cashing in while oil prices spike

The family of an Indian national who went missing after a ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz has confirmed his death, amid escalating tensions in the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers navigating one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes. As hostilities continue in the Gulf region, governments and shipping companies remain on high alert over the security of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

US-Iran war: Indian missing in Hormuz attack confirmed killed

Tensions are flaring again over one of the world’s most important waterways. Iran has hit back at US claims and declared itself the "true guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is even mulling a bill to formalise its control, and there’s talk of tolls for ships passing through. Meanwhile, Trump is pushing Gulf allies to reimburse the US for protecting shipping in the region. With nearly 20% of the world’s oil passing through Hormuz, this isn’t just a political spat. It’s about trade, fuel prices, and who gets to call the shots on a 33km-wide chokepoint that the whole world watches.


Iran vs US over Hormuz: 'We are the true guardians' 

President Donald Trump says the United States will become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls, while signalling a renewed naval blockade of Iran. Tehran has rejected any U.S. role in controlling the strategic waterway as both sides continue exchanging strikes, raising fresh concerns over regional stability and efforts to end the war.


US-Iran war: Iran, US claim 'guardianship' of Strait

A Gujarat-bound Qatari crude oil tanker with 15 Indians on board was hit near the Strait of Hormuz in what looks like a suspected drone attack. 4 Indians were injured in the strike. As tensions flare in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, the Indian government moved fast to secure the vessel's safe passage to port. 15 crew members are now safe. The attack raises fresh concerns about safety in the Gulf for Indian sailors and energy shipments.


Breaking: Gujarat-bound tanker attacked near Hormuz, 4 Indians injured, safe passage secured

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