Drone strike near Suez Canal in Egypt raises new security threat in widening war

A drone strike near Egypt’s Damietta port prompted fresh security concerns as the incident could threaten navigation through the Suez Canal, described as one of the few safe export routes for Saudi oil. Egypt’s cabinet said an initial investigation found an unidentified drone caused a fire on Wednesday affecting two vessels at Damietta, close to the canal. Trading sources said the drone hit the U.S.-owned gas storage tanker Energos Winter, which then spread the fire to another ship. Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it struck facilities tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, while Iranian media reported civilian casualties from strikes on Qeshm Island and attacks in Zanjan. The Pentagon did not immediately comment on damage at a base in Jordan. Saudi Arabia joined U.S. strikes for the first time, targeting Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq.