The Middle East Situation

Given the sharp escalation of Iraqi attacks on tankers heading to and from Kharg, it was hardly a surprise when Iran struck back on two successive days against vessels calling at the Arab side of the Gulf. Iraq's success in deterring tankers from lifting from Kharg clearly increases the pressure on the Iranians to retaliate more strongly against Arab oil shipments. Should the tanker war continue at its present pitch, increased tension between Iran and the Arab...