The United Arab Emirates has condemned what it says was an Iranian attack on a carrier linked to its state oil company, ADNOC, in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack reportedly occurred early Saturday and involved a missile strike on one of ADNOC's vessels as it passed through the strait. No casualties were reported, but the situation has been brought under control.
According to Reuters and gCaptain sources, the UAE foreign ministry described the incident as an act of piracy and called for Iran to halt its attacks on commercial shipping. The ministry stated that such actions violate a U.N. Security Council resolution on freedom of navigation and accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards of using the waterway to exert economic pressure.
The attack is part of a broader pattern of incidents targeting ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to ADNOC statements. Since February 28, when the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began, 15 of ADNOC's vessels have been hit by missiles and drones, resulting in one crew member killed and 20 injured.
Strait of Hormuz Security Concerns
The attack has highlighted ongoing security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. About a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this narrow waterway, making it vital for global energy supply chains. Since the start of the conflict, shipping disruptions have increased freight rates and raised operational risks.
The UAE's condemnation underscores the growing tensions between the two countries and their regional allies. Iran has previously threatened action against vessels transiting the strait if they are linked to adversaries or fail to comply with Iranian directives.