Iran Threatens Banks, Ships Hit in Gulf
Iran threatened U.S. and Israeli economic targets after an Iranian bank was hit, while three commercial ships were damaged in the Gulf, escalating regional…
Lauren Collins ·
Iran's military announced on Wednesday its intent to target U.S. and Israeli economic interests in the region, following an overnight attack on an Iranian bank. This declaration came after an administrative building linked to Bank Sepah in Tehran was reportedly hit. Concurrently, three commercial vessels sustained damage in the Gulf, with Iran launching strikes against oil-exporting neighbors, escalating threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks occurred on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in the Gulf region. The Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was damaged approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the fire on the vessel was extinguished with no environmental impact, and crew remained aboard. Separately, drones impacted near Dubai airport.
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters stated that the targeting of Bank Sepah by "terrorist US army and cruel Zionist regime" forces Iran to retaliate against economic centers and banks linked to the U.S. and Israel in the region. This series of events signals a significant escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf, impacting regional stability and maritime commerce.