Gate News Report, March 11 — Two oil tankers were attacked near the northern Gulf, close to Iraq and Kuwait, reigniting concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. International oil prices surged sharply in early trading on Thursday. Preliminary reports suggest that these ships may have been hit by Iranian unmanned explosive vessels or similar devices, a method increasingly used in maritime attacks in the region. Analysts say the northern Gulf, especially waters near Iraq and Kuwait, is a critical hub for global oil exports. Any instability in these waters could impact the global energy markets. Even localized attacks can raise shipping insurance costs, cause ships to reroute, and heighten fears of supply disruptions, all while the crude oil market is already under pressure from geopolitical risks. Although details of the attacks are still under investigation, these incidents highlight the growing fragility of the global energy supply chain in the region.