A Kuwaiti-owned crude oil tanker caught fire after a drone strike while anchored at Dubai port in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, raising fears of a major oil spill in the Gulf waters.

The Al Salmi, a giant vessel operated by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and fully loaded with crude, was directly hit on its starboard side by an unknown projectile, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The company's security officer reported the incident to UKMTO on Monday, with Dubai authorities confirming involvement of a drone and ongoing firefighting efforts. No crew members were injured among the 24 onboard, and their safety has been secured, the Dubai media office stated.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation attributed the attack to Iranian forces and warned of a possible oil spill from the damaged tanker, as damage assessments continue. Kuwait's army noted its air defenses were intercepting hostile missiles and drones amid the incident. So far, no oil spill has been confirmed, but the risk has heightened environmental concerns in the region.

The strike sent international oil prices surging, with Brent crude exceeding $115 per barrel, a near four-year high, as markets braced for potential supply disruptions. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting four ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh around the same time, underscoring elevated Gulf tensions.

This attack marks the latest in a string of incidents targeting vessels near the UAE coast amid the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict. Earlier in March, multiple tankers were struck by projectiles off Fujairah and other Emirati ports, including a Kuwait-flagged gas tanker and others, causing fires and minor damage. Iran has been accused of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil chokepoint, though some non-hostile ships have passed.

UAE officials continue to respond to the fire at Dubai port, with no further details released on the tanker's status or the full extent of hull damage. The incident highlights the vulnerability of global energy shipping routes as regional hostilities intensify.