Hormuz Strait Tensions Escalate: Two UAE Supertankers Hit by Iranian Missiles, One Crew Member Killed

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence stated on Tuesday that two UAE-flagged tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz near Omani waters. One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured in the attack. The UAE condemned the strike as a serious violation of international law that threatens regional security and stability, asserting its right to respond to the escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and national interests. The ministry confirmed that the UAE Armed Forces remain on full alert to counter any threats. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy claimed the two supertankers were disabled after ignoring warnings and entering an unauthorised shipping lane at the instigation of the United States military. The IRGC stated the vessels had switched off their navigation systems and disregarded repeated alerts from the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Security Control Centre, ultimately straying into a mined area where they were struck and rendered inoperable. The IRGC did not explicitly claim responsibility for the strikes but cautioned that collaboration with American forces and the use of mined routes could trigger greater damage, delay the strait’s reopening, and deepen the global energy crisis.