Egyptian officials confirmed that a drone strike caused a fire on two vessels at Damietta Port on July 29, 2026. Maritime security reports indicated the attack targeted a U.S.-owned floating storage and regasification unit, while regional tensions escalated amid ongoing U.S. strikes against Iran.
Drone Strike Confirmed at Damietta Port After Fire Erupts
The Egyptian Cabinet announced that an investigation into the July 29, 2026, fire at Damietta Port revealed the incident was triggered by a drone. The Ministry of Petroleum initially reported the blaze aboard two vessels without specifying a cause, before emergency response teams brought the situation under control.
In a statement on its official Facebook page, the Egyptian Prime Ministry stated: After the control of the fire that two ships were exposed to in Damietta Port on July 29, and the competent authorities conducting preliminary investigations around the incident, it turned out that it was caused by a drone. The Cabinet added that no party has claimed responsibility for the incident, noting that the relevant authorities continue to complete investigations to find out the circumstances of the incident, and take the necessary measures to preserve Egypt’s interests and national security.
The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum announced on Wednesday that a fire broke out on a regasification ship and a storage ship located at Damietta Port, without any casualties or loss of life, confirming that the situation was dealt with immediately according to emergency plans and rapid response.
Authorities stated that no casualties or injuries occurred during the incident. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the attack specifically targeted a floating storage and regasification unit that is owned by the United States and operated under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
Port Operations Continue Amid Broader Regional Tensions
Despite the attack on the port infrastructure, Damietta Port authorities confirmed that normal operational activities remain uninterrupted. Damietta Port Authority announced in a statement the continuation of operational activity in the port with full efficiency as various stations and docks witness regularity in the movement of receiving and departing ships along with the continuation of loading, unloading and cargo handling operations, confirming that the port continues to provide its marine and logistical services around the clock without stopping. Damietta Port on the Mediterranean Sea is considered one of the most important Egyptian ports and contains facilities for processing, storing, and re-exporting natural gas.
No group has claimed responsibility for the drone strike. Egyptian officials emphasize that investigations remain ongoing to protect national security interests.
U.S. Response and Ongoing Diplomatic Uncertainty
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he had been briefed on the event, calling it continuation of what we have seen before and stating that things will be handled.
We will hit them very hard because it is our turn to hit them. And they know that is coming. U.S. President Donald Trump
Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the execution of a wave of strikes inside Iran, targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites in response to an attempt to target its forces. The U.S. strikes represented a declared return to direct targeting between Washington and Tehran after days of relative calm marked by missile and drone attacks that Saudi Arabia attributed to pro-Iran militias
in Iraq.
For 13 days until July 24, the United States launched attacks on Iran, and Tehran responded by attacking what it said were American military facilities and equipment in Arab countries, particularly Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Washington and Tehran had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 and began negotiations to conclude a final agreement before disputes arose over ensuring freedom of navigation and its security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for energy supplies and trade.
On February 28, the United States and Israel began an assault on Iran, resulting in the deaths of more than three thousand people according to Tehran, which responded with attacks that killed Americans and Israelis. The incident coincides with renewed military strikes by the U.S. military against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites inside Iran following a temporary pause. Tensions across the region have persisted following earlier diplomatic talks over freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
