More than 17 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz by ship on Monday (Aug 31), marking the highest wartime flow since the conflict between the US and Iran began on February 28, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday (Sep 2).Speaking to CNBC, Wright claimed that when Saudi Arabia’s and the United Arab Emirates’ pipelines that bypass the strait are included, regional oil exports on Monday exceeded levels seen before the war. Before the conflict, about 20 million barrels per day of crude and petroleum products moved through Hormuz.<h2>Iran’s losing leverage over global oil trade?</h2>Wright said Tehran was gradually losing its ability to use the strait as a pressure point on the global economy as the US military helps commercial tankers navigate the waterway.Iran is “causing some disruption but they are losing that card,” Wright told CNBC, arguing that US-backed shipping operations were reducing Tehran’s ability to restrict energy supplies.“With or without Iran, oil and gas will flow out of the Arabian Gulf region and it’s happening,” Wright said.The comments came during an interview with CNBC’s Brian Sullivan in Venezuela, five days after President Donald Trump announced a major oil agreement with Caracas’ interim government.<h2>Tankers face continued attacks</h2>The US military has established a shipping corridor along Oman’s coast for tankers operated by Gulf allies. Many vessels travel through the route at night and switch off their transponders to lower the risk of being targeted.Iran has repeatedly demanded that commercial ships instead use a northern route through Iranian waters and has attacked vessels using the US-protected corridor. At least two tankers have been attacked in Hormuz this week, according to incident reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre.On Wednesday (Sep 2), US crude futures fell roughly 1 per cent after briefly approaching $90 a barrel as fresh US-Iran military exchanges ended a period of relative calm.Wright also defended Washington’s higher oil-flow estimates, saying US military and Energy Department data also capture covert tanker movements that private tracking firms can miss.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claims more than 17 million barrels of oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, despite Iran’s attacks and efforts to disrupt tanker traffic.

More than 17 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz by ship on Monday (Aug 31), marking the highest wartime flow since the conflict between the US and Iran began on February 28, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday (Sep 2). Speaking to CNBC, Wright claimed that when Saudi Arabia’s and the United Arab Emirates’ pipelines that bypass the strait are included, regional oil exports on Monday exceeded levels seen before the war. Before the conflict, about 20 million barrels per day of crude and petroleum products moved through Hormuz. Iran’s losing leverage over global oil trade? Wright said Tehran was gradually losing its ability to use the strait as a pressure point on the global economy as the US military helps commercial tankers navigate the waterway. Iran is “causing some disruption but they are losing that card,” Wright told CNBC, arguing that US-backed shipping operations were reducing Tehran’s ability to restrict energy supplies. “With or without Iran, oil and gas will flow out of the Arabian Gulf region and it’s happening,” Wright said. The comments came during an interview with CNBC’s Brian Sullivan in Venezuela, five days after President Donald Trump announced a major oil agreement with Caracas’ interim government. Tankers face continued attacks The US military has established a shipping corridor along Oman’s coast for tankers operated by Gulf allies. Many vessels travel through the route at night and switch off their transponders to lower the risk of being targeted. Iran has repeatedly demanded that commercial ships instead use a northern route through Iranian waters and has attacked vessels using the US-protected corridor. At least two tankers have been attacked in Hormuz this week, according to incident reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre. On Wednesday (Sep 2), US crude futures fell roughly 1 per cent after briefly approaching $90 a barrel as fresh US-Iran military exchanges ended a period of relative calm. Wright also defended Washington’s higher oil-flow estimates, saying US military and Energy Department data also capture covert tanker movements that private tracking firms can miss.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claims more than 17 million barrels of oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, despite Iran’s attacks and efforts to disrupt tanker traffic.

Over 17 million barrels of oil crossed Hormuz on Monday? US claims record flows

West Asia remains on edge as Iran launched a major retaliatory strike targeting a key U.S. military base in Kuwait after Washington paused fresh attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it targeted fighter jet shelters, satellite communications, and military infrastructure, while Kuwait says its air defenses intercepted the incoming drones.

The conflict is expanding across multiple fronts. Iran also claims to have intercepted oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Iran-backed Houthis continue to threaten shipping in the Red Sea, prompting Saudi Arabia and regional allies to form a new maritime security coalition.

Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Kuwait as Trump Faces Growing Pressure Over West Asia War

The conflict in West Asia has intensified once again as the United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, following Tehran's missile attacks targeting American bases in Jordan. The renewed escalation comes after nearly a week-long pause in hostilities, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to attempted Iranian attacks on US forces stationed across the region. Iran confirmed launching ballistic missiles toward US positions in Jordan, while the US said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Fresh Strikes, Missile Attacks and Rising West Asia Tensions

The conflict in West Asia has intensified after joint US-Saudi airstrikes in Iraq reportedly killed at least 20 members of a former paramilitary alliance linked to pro-Iran groups. The strikes came as Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting US military positions, while the US military claimed all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

Meanwhile, Iran says it struck oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and has proposed a temporary maritime arrangement with Oman to manage shipping routes through the strategic waterway. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones targeting key oil facilities, while Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea.

US-Saudi Strikes Kill 20 in Iraq | Iran Fires Missiles, Targets Oil Tankers | Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Amid the diplomatic tensions between America and Iran, the US Department of State has announced a reward of up to $15 million for any information that leads to the identification of entities or individuals involved in oil sales conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generates revenue for its terrorist activities through various illegal activities, including the sale and transfer of Iranian oil, which is sanctioned," says the graphic shared by the official US government account on X."If you have information about the IRGC's oil transfers, tankers, or entities associated with such illegal activities, please contact us. Your information could qualify you for a reward or transfer," the post read.Apart from the image, the Rewards for Justice account said, "the IRGC targets the people of Iran in their own homeland and others abroad with its violence," while pleading, "Help us stop this terrorist group."This came after the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed fresh sanctions against the Iran-linked vessels and entities on Saturday (Jan 24). "OFAC is targeting nine vessels from the shadow fleet, along with their owners or related management companies, which have collectively transferred hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil and petrochemical products to foreign markets," read a statement released by the US State Department's Farsi-language account.Meanwhile, Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, said that he would urge the European Union to list &nbsp;Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. “The losses suffered by the civilian population during the protests require a clear response,” he wrote on X. In response, Iran summoned the minister for what Tehran described as "irresponsible remarks by Italy’s foreign minister" about Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.After the summons, the foreign ministry’s director general for Western Europe warned of what he described as damaging consequences of labelling the Revolutionary Guards and urged Italy to revise what he called ill-considered approaches toward Iran, the reports said.

The US has announced a $15 million reward for information on IRGC-linked oil sales, following fresh OFAC sanctions targeting Iran’s shadow fleet amid rising US–Iran tensions.

Amid the diplomatic tensions between America and Iran, the US Department of State has announced a reward of up to $15 million for any information that leads to the identification of entities or individuals involved in oil sales conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generates revenue for its terrorist activities through various illegal activities, including the sale and transfer of Iranian oil, which is sanctioned," says the graphic shared by the official US government account on X. "If you have information about the IRGC's oil transfers, tankers, or entities associated with such illegal activities, please contact us. Your information could qualify you for a reward or transfer," the post read. Apart from the image, the Rewards for Justice account said, "the IRGC targets the people of Iran in their own homeland and others abroad with its violence," while pleading, "Help us stop this terrorist group." This came after the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed fresh sanctions against the Iran-linked vessels and entities on Saturday (Jan 24). "OFAC is targeting nine vessels from the shadow fleet, along with their owners or related management companies, which have collectively transferred hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil and petrochemical products to foreign markets," read a statement released by the US State Department's Farsi-language account. Meanwhile, Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, said that he would urge the European Union to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. “The losses suffered by the civilian population during the protests require a clear response,” he wrote on X. In response, Iran summoned the minister for what Tehran described as "irresponsible remarks by Italy’s foreign minister" about Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. After the summons, the foreign ministry’s director general for Western Europe warned of what he described as damaging consequences of labelling the Revolutionary Guards and urged Italy to revise what he called ill-considered approaches toward Iran, the reports said.

The US has announced a $15 million reward for information on IRGC-linked oil sales, following fresh OFAC sanctions targeting Iran’s shadow fleet amid rising US–Iran tensions.

US vs Iran: America offers $15mn in reward for ‘information about the IRGC's oil transfers’. Details inside

Two Chinese-flagged supertankers that were headed to Venezuela to collect crude under long-standing oil-for-debt agreements have abruptly changed direction and are now sailing back toward Asia, according to shipping data referenced by news agency Reuters. The move follows recent US action against a Russian-flagged tanker tied to Venezuela and highlights growing pressure on the country’s oil trade.&nbsp;The very large crude carriers Xingye and Thousand Sunny had been idling in the Atlantic for several weeks, awaiting authorisation to dock at Venezuelan terminals. Their planned cargoes were intended to service loans extended by Beijing to Caracas, which are repaid through oil deliveries rather than cash. Data from LSEG cited by Reuters indicates both ships reversed course amid heightened uncertainty caused by the US embargo on Venezuelan oil and escalating political tensions after Washington seized a tanker linked to Venezuela.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-make-history-stand-with-iranians-protests-ask-us-president-to-intervene-1768241705693">'Trump make history, stand with Iranians': Protests ask US president to intervene</a>&nbsp;Oil exports are central to Venezuela’s economy, accounting for roughly 95% of export revenues, with China representing its most important destination. Research group Beyond The Horizon estimates that Venezuela has already paid back over $50 billion in debt using crude shipments, though around $12 billion remains unpaid. The vessels’ retreat comes shortly after US forces intercepted and confiscated a Russian-flagged tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, in international waters. The seizure intensified diplomatic strains between the United States and Russia and underscored Washington’s hardline enforcement of sanctions.&nbsp;As part of the embargo, Venezuelan waters are effectively closed to sanctioned tankers, blocking both inbound and outbound oil traffic. In parallel, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has expanded its sanctions list to include four Chinese companies connected to Venezuela’s energy sector: Corniola Ltd., Aries Global Investment Ltd., Krape Myrtle Co, and Winky International Ltd.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/winter-armor-vanishes-himalayas-face-bare-peaks-1768242979560/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/winter-armor-vanishes-himalayas-face-bare-peaks-1768242979560/embed</a>&nbsp;Four tankers associated with those firms, Della, Nord Star, Rosalind, and Valiant, have also been blacklisted. While the US has previously sanctioned numerous entities involved in Venezuelan oil exports, the inclusion of Chinese firms is widely viewed as a warning to Beijing to steer clear of the dispute between Washington and Caracas.

Two China-flagged supertankers bound for Venezuela reverse course as US tightens crackdown: Report

Two Chinese-flagged supertankers that were headed to Venezuela to collect crude under long-standing oil-for-debt agreements have abruptly changed direction and are now sailing back toward Asia, according to shipping data referenced by news agency Reuters. The move follows recent US action against a Russian-flagged tanker tied to Venezuela and highlights growing pressure on the country’s oil trade. The very large crude carriers Xingye and Thousand Sunny had been idling in the Atlantic for several weeks, awaiting authorisation to dock at Venezuelan terminals. Their planned cargoes were intended to service loans extended by Beijing to Caracas, which are repaid through oil deliveries rather than cash. Data from LSEG cited by Reuters indicates both ships reversed course amid heightened uncertainty caused by the US embargo on Venezuelan oil and escalating political tensions after Washington seized a tanker linked to Venezuela. Also Read: 'Trump make history, stand with Iranians': Protests ask US president to intervene Oil exports are central to Venezuela’s economy, accounting for roughly 95% of export revenues, with China representing its most important destination. Research group Beyond The Horizon estimates that Venezuela has already paid back over $50 billion in debt using crude shipments, though around $12 billion remains unpaid. The vessels’ retreat comes shortly after US forces intercepted and confiscated a Russian-flagged tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, in international waters. The seizure intensified diplomatic strains between the United States and Russia and underscored Washington’s hardline enforcement of sanctions. As part of the embargo, Venezuelan waters are effectively closed to sanctioned tankers, blocking both inbound and outbound oil traffic. In parallel, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has expanded its sanctions list to include four Chinese companies connected to Venezuela’s energy sector: Corniola Ltd., Aries Global Investment Ltd., Krape Myrtle Co, and Winky International Ltd. https://www.wionews.com/videos/winter-armor-vanishes-himalayas-face-bare-peaks-1768242979560/embed Four tankers associated with those firms, Della, Nord Star, Rosalind, and Valiant, have also been blacklisted. While the US has previously sanctioned numerous entities involved in Venezuelan oil exports, the inclusion of Chinese firms is widely viewed as a warning to Beijing to steer clear of the dispute between Washington and Caracas.

Chinese oil tankers turned back from Venezuela as United States sanctions tighten pressure on the country’s oil exports

Oil tankers are in hot water, and it's not just the cargo they're carrying. A historic shortage of new ships, coupled with disruptions caused by attacks in the red sea, is sending shockwaves through the industry. Watch to know more!

Oil tanker crunch looms amid lowest new additions in 4 decades

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran made an attempt to seize two oil tankers near the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The US&nbsp;Navy reported that one of the tankers was fired upon by Iranian naval vessels. However, in both incidents, the Iranian vessels retreated after the US&nbsp;Navy dispatched a guided missile destroyer to the scene. The commercial ships were able to continue their voyages without further disruption.&nbsp;

This latest saga comes as tensions between Iran and the United States have been on the rise since the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed severe sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philadelphia-gunman-identified-as-gun-loving-blm-supporter-kimbrady-carriker-reports-612409">Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports</a>

Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, the spokesperson for the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, confirmed that the Iranian Navy tried to seize the commercial tankers while they were lawfully transiting international waters. “The Iranian Navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” he said adding, “The US&nbsp;Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.”

As of now, there has been no immediate comment from Iran regarding the incident.&nbsp;

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According to the US Navy, the first incident occurred when an Iranian naval vessel approached the TRF Moss, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, in the Gulf of Oman at approximately 1 am. In response, the US deployed the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, along with an MQ-9 Reaper drone and a P-8 Poseidon patrol plane.

Approximately three hours later, the US Navy received a distress call from the Richmond Voyager, an oil tanker flying the Bahamian flag, located over 20 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat, Oman's capital.&nbsp;

The navy reported that another Iranian naval vessel closed in on the tanker within a mile and ordered it to stop.

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The US destroyer swiftly approached the tanker at maximum speed, the Navy said.&nbsp;Prior to the arrival of the USS McFaul, Iranian personnel fired multiple sustained bursts from small arms and crew-served weapons, according to the US Navy's statement.

<h2>Iran's history of naval provocations</h2>

The US Navy has noted that Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels in the past two years and has harassed over a dozen others.&nbsp;

Many of these incidents have taken place in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which 20 per cent of the world's crude oil is transported.

Previous incidents include an April raid by Iranian navy commandos who seized a US-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state TV aired footage of the operation, claiming the seizure was in response to a collision with another Iranian vessel.&nbsp;

However, Iran provided no evidence to support its claim. Iran has previously used the seizure of commercial vessels as a bargaining tool in negotiations with the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran made an attempt to seize two oil tankers near the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy reported that one of the tankers was fired upon by Iranian naval vessels.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran made an attempt to seize two oil tankers near the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy reported that one of the tankers was fired upon by Iranian naval vessels. However, in both incidents, the Iranian vessels retreated after the US Navy dispatched a guided missile destroyer to the scene. The commercial ships were able to continue their voyages without further disruption. This latest saga comes as tensions between Iran and the United States have been on the rise since the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed severe sanctions on Iran. Also Read | Philadelphia gunman identified as gun-loving BLM supporter Kimbrady Carriker: Reports Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, the spokesperson for the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, confirmed that the Iranian Navy tried to seize the commercial tankers while they were lawfully transiting international waters. “The Iranian Navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters,” he said adding, “The US Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures.” As of now, there has been no immediate comment from Iran regarding the incident. Also Read | One killed, two injured after multiple explosions rock Ukrainian court According to the US Navy, the first incident occurred when an Iranian naval vessel approached the TRF Moss, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, in the Gulf of Oman at approximately 1 am. In response, the US deployed the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, along with an MQ-9 Reaper drone and a P-8 Poseidon patrol plane. Approximately three hours later, the US Navy received a distress call from the Richmond Voyager, an oil tanker flying the Bahamian flag, located over 20 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat, Oman's capital. The navy reported that another Iranian naval vessel closed in on the tanker within a mile and ordered it to stop. Watch | British children are shorter than their European peers , says experts × The US destroyer swiftly approached the tanker at maximum speed, the Navy said. Prior to the arrival of the USS McFaul, Iranian personnel fired multiple sustained bursts from small arms and crew-served weapons, according to the US Navy's statement. Iran's history of naval provocations The US Navy has noted that Iran has seized at least five commercial vessels in the past two years and has harassed over a dozen others. Many of these incidents have taken place in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which 20 per cent of the world's crude oil is transported. Previous incidents include an April raid by Iranian navy commandos who seized a US-bound oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state TV aired footage of the operation, claiming the seizure was in response to a collision with another Iranian vessel. However, Iran provided no evidence to support its claim. Iran has previously used the seizure of commercial vessels as a bargaining tool in negotiations with the West. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Iran attempts to seize oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz, prompts US Navy response

In an apparent tit-for-tat move, two Greek oil tankers have been seized by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf on Friday, media reports said. This comes as Greece had seized an Iranian oil tanker on the request of the US over the alleged violations of sanctions in the Mediterranean Sea recently. The tensions are already high between Iran and the West as the negotiations have been stalled over the nuke deal. On its website, the Iranian force issued a statement. In it, the Guard accused the unnamed tankers of unspecified violations. &nbsp;

On the development, the Foreign Ministry of Greece has made a strong demarche to the ambassador of Iran in Athens over the 'violent taking over of two Greek-flagged ships' in the Persian Gulf. "These acts effectively amount to acts of piracy," a statement of the ministry said. &nbsp;

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Calling for the immediate release of the ships and their crews, the ministry said that these acts would have 'particularly negative consequences' in bilateral relations. It will also degrade Iran's relations with the European Union as Greece is a member of the body. &nbsp;&nbsp;

An Iranian helicopter landed on the Greek-flagged ‘Delta Poseidon’, which was in international waters around 22 nautical miles off the coast of Iran, as per the statement of the ministry earlier on Friday. "Armed men then took the crew captive," it said. The crew includes two Greek nationals. &nbsp;

"A similar incident has been reported on another Greek-flagged vessel, that was carrying seven Greek citizens, close to the coast of Iran," the ministry said. The second ship has been identified as the Prudent Warrior, a Greek official told on condition of anonymity. The owner of the vessel, Polembros Shipping in Greece, said the company was "cooperating with the authorities and making every possible effort to address the situation effectively.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In an apparent tit-for-tat move, two Greek oil tankers have been seized by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf on Friday, media reports said.

In an apparent tit-for-tat move, two Greek oil tankers have been seized by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf on Friday, media reports said. This comes as Greece had seized an Iranian oil tanker on the request of the US over the alleged violations of sanctions in the Mediterranean Sea recently. The tensions are already high between Iran and the West as the negotiations have been stalled over the nuke deal. On its website, the Iranian force issued a statement. In it, the Guard accused the unnamed tankers of unspecified violations. On the development, the Foreign Ministry of Greece has made a strong demarche to the ambassador of Iran in Athens over the 'violent taking over of two Greek-flagged ships' in the Persian Gulf. "These acts effectively amount to acts of piracy," a statement of the ministry said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Calling for the immediate release of the ships and their crews, the ministry said that these acts would have 'particularly negative consequences' in bilateral relations. It will also degrade Iran's relations with the European Union as Greece is a member of the body. An Iranian helicopter landed on the Greek-flagged ‘Delta Poseidon’, which was in international waters around 22 nautical miles off the coast of Iran, as per the statement of the ministry earlier on Friday. "Armed men then took the crew captive," it said. The crew includes two Greek nationals. "A similar incident has been reported on another Greek-flagged vessel, that was carrying seven Greek citizens, close to the coast of Iran," the ministry said. The second ship has been identified as the Prudent Warrior, a Greek official told on condition of anonymity. The owner of the vessel, Polembros Shipping in Greece, said the company was "cooperating with the authorities and making every possible effort to address the situation effectively.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tit-for-tat: Iran flares tensions after seizing two Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf

Dozens of oil and gas tankers carrying millions of dollars worth of fuel caught fire on Saturday, creating an inferno at Afghanistan's biggest trade crossing with Iran, officials said.

The blaze broke out early afternoon at Islam Qala port, some 120 kilometres from the city of Herat, engulfing the tankers that were parked nearby after crossing the border.&nbsp;

"There were between 200 and 300 fuel tankers there and we managed to save some, but most have been engulfed and the fire is so huge that nobody can get to within even a kilometre of it," said Younus Qazi Zada, the head of Herat Chamber of Commerce.

"The initial estimate is of millions of dollars of losses, but we have to wait till the fire is extinguished for a proper assessment of damage."

At least 17 people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious burns, said Ibrahim Mohammadi, the head of Herat ambulance service.

Jailani Farhad, the spokesman for the governor of western Herat province, said dozens of tankers were ablaze.

"We don't have the required facilities to contain it, so through the foreign ministry, we have asked the government of Iran to help us contain the fire," he said.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire was unknown, he added.

Videos posted on social media show towering flames and huge clouds of thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Islam Qala is one of the major ports in Afghanistan, through which most official trade with Iran is conducted.&nbsp;

Taking advantage of the situation, Taliban insurgents attacked a nearby security post after the blaze broke out, Farhad added.&nbsp;

Dozens of oil and gas tankers carrying millions of dollars worth of fuel caught fire on Saturday, creating an inferno at Afghanistan's biggest trade crossing with Iran, officials said.

Dozens of oil and gas tankers carrying millions of dollars worth of fuel caught fire on Saturday, creating an inferno at Afghanistan's biggest trade crossing with Iran, officials said. The blaze broke out early afternoon at Islam Qala port, some 120 kilometres from the city of Herat, engulfing the tankers that were parked nearby after crossing the border. "There were between 200 and 300 fuel tankers there and we managed to save some, but most have been engulfed and the fire is so huge that nobody can get to within even a kilometre of it," said Younus Qazi Zada, the head of Herat Chamber of Commerce. "The initial estimate is of millions of dollars of losses, but we have to wait till the fire is extinguished for a proper assessment of damage." At least 17 people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious burns, said Ibrahim Mohammadi, the head of Herat ambulance service. Jailani Farhad, the spokesman for the governor of western Herat province, said dozens of tankers were ablaze. "We don't have the required facilities to contain it, so through the foreign ministry, we have asked the government of Iran to help us contain the fire," he said. The cause of the fire was unknown, he added. Videos posted on social media show towering flames and huge clouds of thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Islam Qala is one of the major ports in Afghanistan, through which most official trade with Iran is conducted. Taking advantage of the situation, Taliban insurgents attacked a nearby security post after the blaze broke out, Farhad added.

Inferno on Afghanistan-Iran border as dozens of oil tankers catch fire

Exxon Mobil Corp this week banned the use of vessels linked to oil flows from Venezuela in the last year, according to four people familiar with the matter, putting new pressure on the US sanctioned country and on global crude freight rates.

Washington has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Venezuela this year to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been dismissed by the United States and dozens of other countries as a sham. Some measures have led tanker operators to stop carrying oil for Venezuela's state-run PDVSA oil firm.

The decision by the world's largest publicly-traded oil producer to ban the Venezuela-linked tankers should affect about 250 vessels, two of the people familiar with the matter estimated.

Exxon declined to comment. PDVSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Over 25 foreign vessels reach Venezuelan ports per month, according to PDVSA and Refinitiv Eikon data. Some are known to turn their transponders off to avoid detection amid the tough US sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil industry.

Average freight earnings for supertankers on the closely-watched US-China route jumped over $20,000 on Friday to $87,625 a day, the highest level since rates for the route were first published in March, Baltic Exchange data showed.

"The VLCC pool here (in the Caribbean) has been very thin for some while, and this week rates pushed to levels not seen for many a year - $12 million now to the Far East and it's almost 'name your price,'" E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd said in a report on Friday.

Another shipbroker who declined to be identified to avoid upsetting clients said Exxon's directive may have a limited impact on freight rates. But he said those rates could go higher "if it spreads to other charterers beyond Exxon."

A lack of vessels willing to carry Venezuelan oil exports is hurting Cuba, the crisis-torn country's main political ally, which imposed fresh austerity measures last month due to power cuts and an acute shortage of fuel.

Exxon Mobil Corp this week banned the use of vessels linked to oil flows from Venezuela in the last year, according to four people familiar with the matter, putting new pressure on the US sanctioned country and on global crude freight rates.

Exxon Mobil Corp this week banned the use of vessels linked to oil flows from Venezuela in the last year, according to four people familiar with the matter, putting new pressure on the US sanctioned country and on global crude freight rates. Washington has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Venezuela this year to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been dismissed by the United States and dozens of other countries as a sham. Some measures have led tanker operators to stop carrying oil for Venezuela's state-run PDVSA oil firm. The decision by the world's largest publicly-traded oil producer to ban the Venezuela-linked tankers should affect about 250 vessels, two of the people familiar with the matter estimated. Exxon declined to comment. PDVSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over 25 foreign vessels reach Venezuelan ports per month, according to PDVSA and Refinitiv Eikon data. Some are known to turn their transponders off to avoid detection amid the tough US sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil industry. Average freight earnings for supertankers on the closely-watched US-China route jumped over $20,000 on Friday to $87,625 a day, the highest level since rates for the route were first published in March, Baltic Exchange data showed. "The VLCC pool here (in the Caribbean) has been very thin for some while, and this week rates pushed to levels not seen for many a year - $12 million now to the Far East and it's almost 'name your price,'" E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd said in a report on Friday. Another shipbroker who declined to be identified to avoid upsetting clients said Exxon's directive may have a limited impact on freight rates. But he said those rates could go higher "if it spreads to other charterers beyond Exxon." A lack of vessels willing to carry Venezuelan oil exports is hurting Cuba, the crisis-torn country's main political ally, which imposed fresh austerity measures last month due to power cuts and an acute shortage of fuel.

Exxon Mobil bars use of oil tankers linked to Venezuela: Report

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U.S. wants an international military coalition

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Two oil tankers were hit in suspected attacks in the Gulf of Oman, shipping firms and industry sources said on Thursday, sending oil prices as much as 4% higher a month after four other tankers were damaged by limpet mines in the region.

Two oil tankers struck in suspected attacks in Gulf of Oman

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