CAIRO: Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy on Thursday strongly condemned the drone attack that targeted two ships at Egypt’s Port of Damietta, describing it as an unacceptable act of aggression against Egypt and warning that such incidents risk further destabilising an already volatile region.
In a statement, Fahmy warned against “desperate attempts to escalate the regional conflict,” urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could widen tensions.
He said “ill-advised adventures” by certain actors and the attacks targeting Arab countries were “unacceptable across the board” and posed a threat to regional peace and security.
The Arab League chief reaffirmed the organisation’s solidarity with Egypt, underscoring the need to safeguard critical infrastructure and maritime facilities that are vital to regional trade and energy security.
A drone hit a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta, British maritime security firm Ambrey said in an initial assessment yesterday.#gdnonline #tanker #drone #egyptianport pic.twitter.com/Qrg88Ad9cB
— GDN Online (@GDNonline) July 30, 2026
His remarks came after the Egyptian cabinet confirmed on Thursday that a drone strike caused the fire that engulfed two gas vessels at the Port of Damietta a day earlier. Authorities said preliminary investigations determined the blaze was the result of an attack rather than an accident.
The drone hit a US-owned floating storage and regasification vessel, Energos Winter, sparking a blaze that spread to a Greek-owned LNG tanker, GasLog Salem.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the incident and succeeded in bringing the fire under control, while officials launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible. No casualties were immediately reported.
Security of shipping routes
The attack has heightened concerns over the security of shipping routes and energy infrastructure in the region, with analysts warning that further attacks could disrupt maritime trade and increase tensions across the eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
Egyptian authorities have pledged to strengthen security measures at ports and other strategic facilities as investigations into the incident continue.
It remains unclear where the drone was launched from or who was responsible for the attack.
However, similar strikes have previously been carried out by Iranian forces and Iran-backed armed groups targeting oil tankers in the Gulf and the Red Sea, as well as energy infrastructure in several Arab countries. Those attacks disrupted global shipping routes and contributed to sharp increases in oil prices.
GCC slams Iranian attacks on Kuwait, Jordan
Earlier, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks on the territories of Kuwait and Jordan, describing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty and international law.
معالي الأمين العام لمجلس التعاون @jasemalbudaiwi ، يدين تجدد الاعتداءات الإيرانية الآثمة على دولة الكويت والمملكة الأردنية الهاشمية ويؤكد تضامن دول المجلس معهما.
https://t.co/E6pLey6bbL#مجلس_التعاون #دولة_الكويت#المملكة_الأردنية_الهاشمية pic.twitter.com/KyuymwW7dg
— مجلس التعاون (@GCCSG) July 30, 2026
In a statement, Albudaiwi says the attacks represent a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability.
He affirms the full solidarity of GCC member states with the two countries and their support for all measures taken to protect their security and sovereignty.
US launches heavy strikes on Iran
The United States has launched a heavy wave of air strikes against Iran, targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites in retaliation for Tehran’s attempted missile attacks on US forces, marking a major escalation after nearly a week of relative calm in the Middle East conflict.
Also ReadL: US Launches Heavy Strikes on Iran as Middle East Conflict Escalates
The strikes, confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), shattered hopes of renewed diplomacy and signalled Washington’s return to direct military action against Iran.
U.S. Sailors monitor F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets launching from the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) while sailing in the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/l5XFbEf5v7
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 30, 2026
“The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday’s attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East,” CENTCOM said, adding that American forces struck dozens of IRGC military command centres and other strategic targets.
Iranian authorities said US missiles hit areas near Qeshm Island in Hormozgan province and around Abadan in Khuzestan province during the early hours of Thursday.
