The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of striking two UAE-flagged vessels with cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that left one sailor dead and eight others injured, four of them seriously, the UAE Ministry of Defense reported Monday in a message posted on social media.
The ships involved, Mombasa and Al Bahia, were hit while transiting the southern section of the strait within Omani territorial waters. The deceased crew member was Indian; of the eight wounded, six are Indian and two are Ukrainian.
Both vessels suffered damage from fires that erupted after the impacts. The ministry said the fires were brought under control and reported no environmental damage.
Minutes before the UAE statement, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported an “incident” about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) northeast of Qalhat, Oman. According to the UKMTO notice, “the master of a vessel reports being struck by an unknown projectile in the starboard engine room,” with all crew reported safe.
The UAE Ministry of Defense described the attack as “brazen,” calling it “a grave violation and a clear breach of international law” that threatens the security and stability of the region. The ministry said it was on “highest alert” and reserved the right to “respond to this escalation” and take measures necessary to protect its sovereignty.
The UAE, a close Washington ally in the region, has recorded multiple missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran since hostilities resumed in the Middle East. Before the current conflict began in February, about one-fifth of the world’s oil transited the Strait of Hormuz, according to reporting.
The incidents occurred amid a sharp escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran. On Monday it was the third consecutive day that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes against Iranian territory. Trump also announced plans to impose a tariff on all cargo transiting the strait and to reinstate a blockade of Iranian vessels that had been lifted last month.
(With information from AFP and Europa Press)