An Iranian commercial vessel was struck early Sunday off Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, killing one person and injuring three others, according to Iranian state-run media.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately reported that a vessel was hit by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but gave no further details about the incident.

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There was no immediate comment from the U.S. military, which has previously carried out strikes against Iranian-flagged vessels as the blockade of Iranian ports continues.

Following the strike, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, citing Qeshm Governor Amir Teymouri, described the incident as an attack by the “US terrorist enemy.”

The latest incident comes amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international waterway that has become a major flashpoint since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28.

The Strait was previously regarded as an international waterway, but the ongoing conflict has increasingly disrupted shipping and raised concerns over the safety of commercial vessels and global energy supplies.

Iran said Saturday that foreign ministers from regional countries will meet to discuss efforts by Iran and Oman, which lies on the other side of the Strait, to manage shipping through the strategic waterway.

Details later…….

Saudi Arabia’s temporary shutdown of its major East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack could trigger fresh pressure on the global economy, with countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and North America facing the possibility of higher oil, fuel and transportation costs.

The 1,200km pipeline, operated by Saudi Aramco, connects Saudi Arabia’s oil-producing east to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

It provides the kingdom with a crucial alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which has already been heavily disrupted amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

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Saudi Arabia said drones struck the pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina areas on September 10, causing injuries and damage.

The kingdom subsequently suspended operations as a precaution while specialised teams assess and secure the facility.

Saudi authorities later confirmed that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory.

According to report, the pipeline had been carrying around 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day, equivalent to roughly 4 to 5 percent of global oil supply.

Countries likely to feel the impact

China and India

China, the world’s largest crude oil importer, could be among the biggest casualties if the disruption lasts. Reduced Saudi supplies could force Chinese refiners to compete for alternative crude, increasing energy and manufacturing costs.

India is also highly exposed because of its dependence on imported crude. Higher oil prices could raise petrol, diesel and aviation costs while increasing inflation and the country’s import bill.

Japan and South Korea

Both countries depend heavily on imported energy. A prolonged supply disruption could increase the cost of crude, manufacturing, transportation and petrochemical production.

United States and Europe

The United States is a major oil producer but remains exposed to global prices. A sustained supply shortage could push up gasoline and diesel prices and increase transportation costs.

European economies, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, could also face higher fuel, manufacturing and shipping costs.

Africa

The impact could spread across Africa through higher fuel and transportation prices.

Nigeria could benefit from higher crude prices through increased oil revenues, but higher international energy and shipping costs could also create pressure on consumers and businesses.

Oil-importing countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia could face greater pressure from rising energy costs.

Pakistan and Southeast Asia

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam could also be affected because of their reliance on imported energy.

Higher crude prices could increase transportation, electricity, manufacturing and food-distribution costs.

Iraq investigates the attack

Iraq has condemned the attack and said it would not allow its territory to be used as a “launchpad for attacks against any nation.”

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation after authorities determined that the drones originated from Maysan province, which borders Iran.

The commander of the Maysan operations command was dismissed, while Iraq also ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran as a precaution.

No group has claimed responsibility.

Analysts have pointed toward Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq as a possible culprit, while US President Donald Trump has also blamed Iran. Those claims have not been independently established.

Saudi Arabia holds off on retaliation
Riyadh has so far decided not to retaliate, saying it would refrain “at this stage” following a request from the Iraqi prime minister.

Saudi Arabia, however, warned that it reserves the right to take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty, security and infrastructure.

Yemen adds to the danger

The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthi forces make major advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and have reportedly seized the strategic Mayun Island near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

That development is significant because Bab al-Mandab is one of the world’s major shipping chokepoints.

Saudi Arabia is therefore facing pressure on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula: its traditional export route through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, while its key alternative pipeline to the Red Sea has now been attacked.

What happens next?

Saudi Arabia could attempt to reroute some crude through Egypt, the Suez Canal and the Sumed pipeline, but these alternatives cannot immediately replace the East-West pipeline.

The kingdom could also face longer and more expensive shipping routes around Africa if Red Sea security deteriorates further.

Brent crude has already risen above $100 per barrel, while US diesel prices have reached record levels.

Ben Cahill of the Atlantic Council described the East-West pipeline as Saudi Arabia’s “principal bypass option to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.”

“The key buffers that got us through the last six months have basically been worn away,” he said.

Saudi political analyst Khalid Bartafi warned that the consequences could become global.

“This is not just our problem, it’s a global problem,” he said.

BRICS leaders have called for “maximum restraint” and urged an end to further escalation in the Middle East as the United States and Iran resume tit-for-tat strikes.

The call was contained in a joint declaration unanimously adopted on Saturday, September 12, during the first day of the BRICS leaders’ annual summit in New Delhi, India.

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In the declaration, the bloc said it had “deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East” and called on all sides to exercise “maximum restraint” while avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation.

The statement comes after a pause in fighting for much of August, with the United States and Iran now engaged in renewed exchanges of strikes.

BRICS’ position carries particular significance because the expanded bloc includes Iran, which is directly involved in the conflict, alongside the United Arab Emirates, a close U.S. ally.

The presence of both countries had made consensus on a joint statement more challenging, but the members ultimately agreed on a common position.

BRICS Pushes Dialogue, Diplomacy
The New Delhi Declaration also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully.

BRICS members said they supported the resolution of international disputes “through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy.”

The statement did not stop at the Middle East conflict, as the bloc also expressed concern over the increasing use of

“unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures,” arguing that such measures can distort international trade.

The concerns come amid U.S. sanctions against Iran and sanctions imposed on Russia over its war with Ukraine.

The BRICS bloc currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The joint declaration represents an attempt by the increasingly influential grouping to maintain a united position on major international security issues despite differences among its members.