Dubai (TDI): The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation after an ADNOC-affiliated crude oil tanker was reportedly targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the vessel, identified as the MV Barakah by ADNOC Logistics & Services, was struck by two drones off the coast between the UAE and Oman.
A British maritime security agency, UKMTO, earlier reported that a tanker in the area had been hit by unknown projectiles. It added that all crew members were safe and no injuries were reported. The ship was also not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident.
In a statement posted on X, the UAE Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “flagrant violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which emphasizes the protection of international shipping and rejects targeting commercial vessels or blocking maritime routes.
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The UAE further accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of “economic coercion and blackmail,” and went on to describe the incident as acts attributed to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. It said the attack represents a direct threat to regional stability.
The statement renewed calls for Iran to stop what it called “unprovoked attacks” and to fully comply with international obligations, including an immediate halt to hostilities and the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free navigation.
UKMTO has advised all vessels in the region to proceed with caution while investigations are ongoing. The incident comes at a time when tensions remain high between the United States and Iran, with peace negotiations still stalled since the ceasefire that followed earlier regional conflict.
In response to rising instability in the Strait, US President Donald Trump said the United States would begin escorting commercial vessels through the waterway from Monday. US Central Command later said the operation would involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems across domains, and around 15,000 military personnel.
According to maritime tracking data, hundreds of commercial vessels are currently present in the Gulf, although the number has dropped compared to the start of the conflict period.
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The incident has also drawn regional reaction. Jordan strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming its full support and solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and backing all measures taken to protect its sovereignty and maritime security. Egypt also issued a condemnation, calling the strike on the Emirati tanker unacceptable and stressing the importance of protecting international shipping routes.
