Operation Epic Fury Day 13: Iran Strikes Thai Cargo Ship Bound For India; Global Oil Supply Hit

THE PERSIAN GULF — The global energy crisis deepened on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as Iran intensified its campaign against merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In a direct challenge to the U.S. Navy, Iranian forces struck and set ablaze the Mayuree Naree, a Thailand-flagged cargo ship carrying essential supplies to India.

As the war enters its 13th day, the human and economic toll continues to spiral, with the United Nations reporting nearly 2,000 fatalities and a catastrophic impact on the world’s fuel distribution networks.

1. The Maritime Blockade: “Not One Liter”

Tehran has transitioned from rhetoric to a total naval chokehold on the region’s oil exports.

• The Thai Ship Attack: The Mayuree Naree was hit by a drone-launched missile on Wednesday evening. The vessel, bound for an Indian port, was seen engulfed in flames. This marks the 16th ship targeted since the conflict began on February 28.
• Iraq Tanker Strike: Off the coast of Iraq, two oil tankers were attacked, resulting in at least one confirmed death and several crew members missing. 38 sailors were rescued by port authorities.
• The $200 Threat: Iranian officials warned that global oil prices could hit $200 per barrel if the U.S. and Israel continue striking Iranian oil infrastructure. Currently, the Strait remains a “no-go zone” for unescorted commercial traffic.

2. U.S. Strategic Reserve: The 172-Million-Barrel Release

To counter the “energy blackmail,” the Trump administration has moved to flood the market with emergency reserves.

• The Deployment: Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced the release of 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
• The Timeline: The oil will be delivered over a 120-day period. Wright stated the goal is to “tide the world over” until the U.S. military forcibly reopens the Strait of Hormuz, which he predicts could happen “within a few weeks.”
• Trump’s Victory Claim: Despite the shipping chaos, President Donald Trump reiterated at a Kentucky rally that the war was “practically over in the first hour,” claiming Iran’s air force and radar are “virtually destroyed.”

3. Escalation: Hezbollah and Dubai Attacks

While the U.S. claims dominance, Iranian proxies and drone units continue to strike high-value targets.

• Tel Aviv Targeted: Early Thursday, Hezbollah launched a “barrage of advanced missiles” at the Glilot base near Tel Aviv—the headquarters of Israel’s elite Unit 8200 military intelligence.
• Dubai Creek Fire: In the UAE, an Iranian drone struck a luxury apartment tower in Dubai Creek Harbor, sparking a massive blaze that was extinguished by civil defense teams early Thursday morning. This follows a drone strike near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday that injured four.

War Impact Summary: March 12, 2026