Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a stern warning regarding potential Israeli "false-flag operations" in the wake of a drone attack that struck Egypt's Damietta Port. On Thursday, Araghchi took to social media to emphasize that Egypt remains a vital partner and friend in the region, declaring that the country's security is of "utmost importance" to Tehran.
The Iranian official urged regional actors to remain vigilant against what he described as Israeli plots designed to destabilize peace. He stated that the perceived threat is mutual and reflective of an opposition to Muslim solidarity. These remarks followed a Wednesday incident where a drone attack ignited fires on two gas vessels at the Mediterranean port, which sits near the Suez Canal.
While the attack marked the first time Egypt's energy infrastructure has been targeted during the ongoing Middle East conflict, the port authority confirmed that the facility remains fully operational. Maritime trade tracking firm Kpler identified the damaged vessels as the Energos Winter regasification ship and the GasLog Salem tanker, noting that both were moved offshore following the incident. Additionally, the UK-based private security monitor Ambrey reported that the US-owned floating storage vessel was struck by at least one drone.
Egyptian authorities have maintained a cautious stance, refusing to speculate on the origins of the attack. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated on Thursday that investigators have recovered drone wreckage and are conducting a thorough security analysis. He stressed that Cairo will base its conclusions strictly on facts. Similarly, President Abdel Fattah el Sisi confirmed that debris is being analyzed and warned that the region is facing a significant escalation. In a discussion with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, el Sisi emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated international effort to halt the rising tensions.
No group or nation has claimed responsibility for the strike. Yemen's Houthi group has explicitly denied involvement, dismissing reports linking them to the incident as "unfounded rumours." The Egyptian cabinet reported that initial investigations identified the weapon as an unidentified drone.
