Sept. 18, 2026 — By Steve Poplar

Fresh reports circulating Friday say energy hubs on both sides of the Gulf energy fight took new hits — and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed another tanker strike in the Strait of Hormuz overnight.

Yanbu. Houthis claimed missiles/drones hit Aramco at Yanbu after East-West Pipeline damage disrupted loadings. Overnight into Friday, social accounts posted fire/smoke clips and “massive destruction” claims. Saudi authorities had not independently confirmed a new successful strike or fresh fire scale in free wires as they continue to try to hide the extent of the damage they’ve suffered.

Das Island (UAE). Social posts using FIRMS and satellite photos showing dark black smoke and brown smoke claimed Das Island was “in flames,” with one attributing that to Axios’s Barak Ravid. No mainstream media is yet confirming a fresh Das Island hit.

Tanker. Anadolu (Sep 18): IRGC said it struck Togo-flagged Trend in Hormuz, claiming fire and stoppage. No immediate independent verification. UK maritime noted a related security incident NE of Khasab with crew safe. As Iran continues it’s trend of hitting 1 tanker every day.

Why it matters. Yanbu is the largest Red Sea loading terminal and end point for the East-West pipeline; Das Island is the main loading terminal for UAE inside the Persian Gulf, loading tankers to run through the Strait of Hormuz; another claimed tanker hit feeds diesel/grocery costs at home.

Steve Poplar is the publisher of The Poplar Report.