The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that missiles launched from Iran struck two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing a crew member aboard one of the vessels.
According to the ministry, the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were hit by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing along the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.
The attack resulted in the death of an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and left eight others injured, including four who sustained serious injuries.
The ministry said the injured included six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
Both tankers suffered material damage as fires broke out following the strikes, although the blazes have since been brought under control.
The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the attack, describing it as a "brazen" assault and a "flagrant violation of international law" that threatens regional security.
It also warned that Abu Dhabi reserves the right to respond following what it described as Iran's latest escalation.
Commercial shipping has been severely affected by the conflict in the Middle East since 1 March, when Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US-Israeli bombardments.
Maritime traffic only began to recover following a preliminary agreement reached between Washington and Tehran on 17 June, under which passage through the strait would be permitted for 60 days while negotiations on ending the conflict continued.
However, Iran has repeatedly insisted that there will be no return to the pre-war status quo, when passage through the strategic waterway was free and unrestricted, and has threatened vessels attempting to use routes outside those approved by Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global energy supplies, has become one of the most contentious issues in negotiations between the United States and Iran.
US President Donald Trump announced yesterday the reimposition of the American blockade on Iranian ports in the Gulf and said a transit fee equal to 20% of cargo value for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would take effect immediately.
Source: CNA
