UAE: Two Oil Tankers Attacked by Iran in Strait of Hormuz, 1 Dead, 8 Injured

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced today that two UAE oil tankers were attacked by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of one Indian crew member and injuries to eight others. This incident has heightened tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

According to Reuters, the targeted tankers were the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, attacked in the southbound lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters. The deceased crew member was aboard the Mombasa.

Of the eight injured, four sustained serious injuries. The UAE Ministry of Defense stated that the injured include six Indian and two Ukrainian crew members.

The attack caused both tankers to catch fire and sustain damage, though the fires have since been brought under control. The Ministry condemned the incident as a 'blatant attack' and emphasized that the UAE 'reserves the right to fully retaliate against this escalation.'

Additionally, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified flying object while sailing approximately 40 nautical miles northeast of Qalhat, Oman. The agency noted that the vessel's master reported damage to the starboard engine room, but all crew members are safe.

Reuters could not immediately verify whether the UKMTO-reported incident is the same as the one described by the UAE Ministry of Defense. Iran has not commented on the latest attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the resumption of sanctions on Iranian maritime shipping and stated that the U.S. will ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open—but will charge a fee. He also warned that following mutual missile and drone strikes, U.S. forces will launch a new round of 'hard-hitting' attacks on Iran within the next few hours.

Iran's Supreme Joint Military Command stated that the U.S. has no right to determine the future of the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow intervention.

The U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28, triggering the conflict. Although a temporary agreement was later signed to reopen the Strait and cease hostilities, the latest developments have cast uncertainty over its future.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint. Prior to the February conflict, about one-fifth of the world's daily oil and gas shipments passed through here—over 15 million barrels per day, worth at least $1.2 billion.