A Panama-flagged MSC container ship was hit by an unknown projectile in the Arabian Gulf, causing a large explosion but no injuries, reported the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations stated that the MSC Sariska V was struck on its starboard side 40 nm southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq, at 09:50 hrs UTC. Video circulating on social media showed significant damage to the vessel, which caught fire before the blaze was extinguished.

Martin Kelly of EOS Marine indicated that the ship was likely hit by a USV in Iraqi waters after unloading at Umm Qasr. The 1990-built vessel has been trading in the Gulf since October 2025. MSC has previously been targeted, with Iran seizing the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in April.

Most attacks on commercial shipping since the war began have occurred around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and as far west as Bahrain and Qatar. Off Iraq, only one other incident was reported in March involving the Greek-owned Zefyros and US-owned Safesea Vishnu, which left one seafarer dead.

Other attacks have taken place off Kuwait, including the Sonangol Namibe tanker struck on March 5 and drone and missile strikes on Shuwaikh and Mubarak Al Kabeer Port on March 27. The latest incident comes as US-Iran peace talks falter and hostilities intensify despite a ceasefire.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated it targeted a US air base over the weekend. US Central Command responded with strikes on Iranian radar and drone sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island, destroying two attack drones it said posed threats to shipping in regional waters.