Dubai (Rajeev Sharma): An Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two UAE-flagged oil tankers were reportedly struck by Iranian cruise missiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said the vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were sailing along the southern shipping corridor in Omani territorial waters when the missiles hit. The attack triggered fires on both tankers, causing substantial damage before emergency response teams managed to contain the flames.
Officials confirmed that the deceased was an Indian national working aboard the Mombasa. Among the eight injured were six Indian citizens and two Ukrainian nationals. Four of the victims sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
Calling the strike a blatant violation of international law, the UAE strongly condemned the attack and said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests. The government also announced that its armed forces have been placed on heightened alert in response to the incident.
In a separate statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences to the family of the deceased Indian sailor and expressed sympathy to the Government and people of India. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The ministry warned that attacks on commercial shipping threaten international navigation and undermine the security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. It added that using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic pressure jeopardises regional stability and global energy supplies.
The UAE urged Iran to immediately cease hostilities, refrain from targeting civilian maritime traffic, and ensure the uninterrupted passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to protect international trade and regional security.
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between Iran and the United States. The escalation follows reports that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shut the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliatory American strikes on several Iranian targets.
Meanwhile, the United States announced that it would resume a naval blockade aimed at restricting maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports. Speaking after signing an Executive Order, US President Donald Trump said the measures would target Iran and businesses dealing with Tehran, while allowing ships from other countries to continue using the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, making any disruption in the region a matter of global economic concern. The latest attack has renewed fears over maritime security and the potential impact of the ongoing conflict on international energy markets.
