Reuters wrote in two analytical reports that a drone attack on two ships in the port of Damietta, Egypt, has increased concerns about the widening of the war between the United States and the Islamic Republic into the Suez Canal region and about shipping security.

Egypt said an unidentified drone was responsible for the fire on the two ships, but no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

While speculation points to the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups, Abbas Araqchi rejected the accusation and spoke about what he called “a false-flag operation by Israel.”

At the same time, Reuters, referring to reciprocal attacks by the United States and the Islamic Republic and the rise in threats in the Red Sea, warned that the Suez Canal and the Sumed pipeline have become vital routes for Saudi Arabia’s oil exports, and that any threat to them could increase maritime insurance, shipping costs, and energy prices.

The news agency added that changing the route of oil exports from Bab al-Mandab to Suez has lengthened the time it takes for shipments to reach Asia and has made the global energy market more vulnerable.

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