A suspected Iranian drone attack on a Kuwaiti crude oil tanker anchored at a UAE port triggered a fire that was later brought under control, authorities said on Tuesday.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said the tanker Al Salmi was hit while docked in Dubai, causing damage and a blaze onboard. The vessel was reportedly carrying around two million barrels of oil from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Dubai authorities confirmed the overnight drone strike, saying emergency teams swiftly contained the fire. No injuries or oil leakage were reported, according to officials.

Initial concerns were raised over a potential oil spill in nearby waters, but authorities later confirmed the situation was under control.

Witnesses reported multiple explosions in Dubai from Monday evening into early Tuesday, amid heightened military activity in the skies.

KPC said an assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage to the tanker.

The incident is part of a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region since the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran in late February.

Elsewhere, maritime security sources reported projectile incidents near a Greek-owned ship off Saudi Arabia, while a Thai cargo vessel previously hit near the Strait of Hormuz remains disabled, with three crew members still missing.

Regional tensions have escalated further, with Saudi Arabia claiming it intercepted multiple drones and ballistic missiles, while other Gulf countries also reported attempted attacks.

Iran, however, said its operations are aimed at US forces in the region, despite several incidents affecting civilian-linked targets.

With inputs from ALJAZEERA