Iranian explosive-laden boats appear to have attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, as oil prices surge past $100 a barrel again. The attack set the tankers ablaze, killing one crew member on Wednesday (March 11), after projectiles struck three vessels in Gulf waters, port, maritime security and risk firms said. Video from the Iraqi Ports media office showed at least one tanker on fire with plumes of smoke rising into the night sky and crews being rescued. The ships targeted in the attack were the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros, which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq, two Iraqi port officials said.

The conflict has spread across the Middle East and prompted plans for a record release of strategic oil reserves to dampen one of the worst fuel shocks since the 1970s.

Iran has set ablaze two tankers in Iraqi waters as it increased attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East