Iran’s IRGC Claims Missile Strike On ‘US-Owned’ MSC Container Ship Near Umm Qasr Port

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an alleged strike on the container vessel MSC Sariska V after an explosion damaged the ship near Iraq’s Umm Qasr port.

The incident occurred on June 1 when the Panama-flagged MSC Sariska V was sailing southeast of Umm Qasr.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel experienced a large explosion after a possible impact from an unknown projectile on its starboard side about 40 nautical miles (74 km) southeast of the Iraqi port.

UKMTO later reported a second impact that caused a fire onboard. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported among the crew.

The agency also said it was not aware of any environmental damage and that authorities had launched an investigation.

The vessel was later identified as MSC Sariska V, a container ship operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). According to reports, the vessel had arrived at Umm Qasr from Qatar and loaded 96 containers before departing the port.

Iranian state media reported that the IRGC had carried out a retaliatory strike against a “US-owned” vessel.

The reports claimed the vessel was hit by a cruise missile in response to an earlier attack on the Iranian vessel Lian Star in the Oman Sea.

The IRGC described the operation as retaliation for a previous offensive against an Iranian vessel near Oman. However, the missile strike claim has not been independently verified.

There are conflicting reports about the cause of the explosion.

Panama-flagged container ship was hit near Umm Qasr, Iraq.

UKMTO reports an unknown projectile hit the starboard side, causing a large explosion.

Iraqi sources say it may be a mechanical fault instead. pic.twitter.com/j4uBgoJ1G2

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 1, 2026

A security source cited by Iraqi media claimed the vessel may have been targeted by a suicide boat. Footage circulating among mariners in Basra showed a large hole in the hull and water ingress, although Iraqi authorities have not confirmed this account.

At the same time, another Iraqi official said the vessel suffered a mechanical imbalance and lost stability in strong winds after leaving port, adding that there was no evidence of an attack.

Iraq’s Alsumaria News also cited preliminary assessments indicating that investigators had found no evidence that the vessel was struck by an external object.

According to the report, early findings pointed instead to a possible internal mechanical malfunction. The source added that the damage appeared limited to the vessel itself and that no crew members were injured.

UKMTO has not confirmed the vessel’s identity in its initial advisory and has only stated that a cargo vessel was struck by a possible unknown projectile before the explosion.

The agency continues to advise vessels in the area to exercise caution while authorities investigate.

The incident is the second reported maritime security event in Iraqi waters this year. In March, a foreign vessel was struck in Basra waters in an incident that also remained unexplained, prompting the Iraqi Navy to evacuate the crew.

Despite the damage, MSC Sariska V remained operational and was able to continue its voyage.

Iraqi authorities and maritime security agencies are continuing their investigation to determine whether the explosion was caused by an attack, an onboard malfunction, or another factor. The cause of the incident remains unclear.

References: ANI News, FirstPost