Drone hits storage tanker at Egyptian port in major Middle East escalation

A drone struck a U.S.-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta, causing a fire that spread to another vessel. The incident, confirmed by maritime security firm Ambrey, occurred Wednesday as Middle East tensions sharply escalated.

Egypt's petroleum ministry confirmed a fire at the port but did not mention a drone attack. The tanker, Energos Winter, caught fire after the drone hit it, according to three trading sources. The fire was immediately dealt with, and the ministry reported no casualties.

The incident unfolded as U.S. President Donald Trump vowed retaliation against Iran for an overnight attack on U.S. forces in Jordan. This escalation suggests the conflict is expanding beyond its primary fronts, with Iran also firing missiles at U.S. bases and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have also conducted strikes against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, resulting in casualties among paramilitary forces.

Trump told reporters that Washington would retaliate against Iran, stating, "So it’s our turn... we’re going to hit them very hard." The conflict, which began with U.S. and Saudi strikes against Iran in February, has now continued for five months with no clear end in sight. The ongoing exchanges, alongside actions by Yemen's Houthi group, indicate a widening regional conflict.

Oil prices surged on Wednesday, with Brent crude futures rising more than 8% to exceed $90 a barrel. This spike reversed a recent dip that occurred when Trump unexpectedly halted U.S. strikes over the weekend. The joint U.S.-Saudi attacks also mark Riyadh's first public participation in strikes alongside Washington.

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So it’s our turn. We’re going to hit them very hard.