Iraq temporarily halted crude oil loading operations at its Basra terminal on Thursday after a drone struck an oil tanker, according to four Iraqi oil and security sources cited by Reuters.
The attack did not cause significant damage or fire, and loading activities were resumed shortly after the incident.
The vessel was subsequently towed outside the harbor for safety checks.
The brief suspension highlights the ongoing vulnerability of key energy infrastructure in the region.
While the immediate impact on global supply appears limited given the quick resumption of operations, the event reinforces the persistent risk premium embedded in shipping routes through the Persian Gulf.
Traders are likely to monitor the situation for any signs of escalation or further disruptions to Iraqi exports, which remain a critical component of global crude flows.