Dubai: A deadly missile attack on two United Arab Emirates-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz has claimed the life of an Indian crew member and left eight others injured, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence. The incident has further intensified tensions in the Gulf amid the escalating confrontation between Iran and the United States.
The ministry said the tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were navigating the southern shipping route through Omani territorial waters when they were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles on Tuesday.
The assault killed one Indian sailor aboard the Mombasa and injured eight crew members, including six Indians and two Ukrainian nationals. Officials said four of the injured sustained serious wounds. The missile strikes also sparked fires on both vessels, causing significant structural damage. Emergency teams managed to bring the fires under control.
Describing the incident as a serious breach of international law, the UAE government strongly condemned the attack and warned that it reserves the right to respond. Authorities also announced that the country’s defence forces have been placed on heightened alert to protect national interests and maritime security.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed the condemnation, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased Indian crew member and extending sympathies to the Government and people of India. It also wished those injured a swift recovery.
In its statement, the ministry accused Iran of endangering regional stability by targeting commercial shipping. It said using the Strait of Hormuz as a means of economic pressure or coercion threatens global trade, energy supplies and maritime security.
The UAE urged Tehran to immediately halt what it described as unprovoked attacks, fully cease hostilities, and ensure the unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard regional peace and the stability of international commerce.
The attack comes amid renewed military tensions between Washington and Tehran. The latest escalation followed the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), prompting the United States to launch retaliatory strikes on multiple sites across Iran.
Meanwhile, the United States announced plans to resume a naval blockade targeting maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump said the restrictions would focus solely on Iran and entities conducting business with Tehran, while vessels from other countries would continue to have access through the strategically important waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes, making any disruption in the region a major concern for international trade and global oil markets.
