The New York Times, citing two sources within the Islamic Republic, implicitly blamed Iran’s government for the drone attack on Egypt, adding that the attack was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Islamic Republic.

The two unnamed sources told the newspaper: “This explosion was a drone attack carried out with the aim of conveying this message that if Iran decides to escalate the conflict, global shipping and energy supply could face even broader disruptions.”

The individuals did not say whether the Islamic Republic carried out the attack or a proxy militia group aligned with it.

They also did not specify from where the drone was launched.

On Wednesday, 7 Mordad, explosions occurred at Damietta Port, one of the natural gas loading hubs on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, and the British maritime security company Ambrey reported that an American vessel was targeted in a drone attack.