Iran has been accused of launching missile attacks on two oil tankers of the United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz. An Indian sailor was reportedly killed in Monday’s attack. Eight others were injured. Four of them are in critical condition. The UAE has warned that it will retaliate against Iran in due course.
Part of the Strait of Hormuz falls within Oman’s territorial waters. According to the UAE’s defense ministry, two of its oil tankers passed through the southern shipping lane of the waterway. Iran suddenly attacked them with cruise missiles. Both tankers caught fire. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. An Indian sailor was killed in the attack. However, his identity has not been revealed.
The UAE government strongly condemned the incident. “The attack is a serious violation of international law,” the defense ministry said in a statement. The army has the right to take all measures to protect the sovereignty and security of the country. The UAE has warned that it will respond appropriately according to the circumstances.
The incident has renewed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Large quantities of crude oil and natural gas are transported daily through this important seaway of the world. As a result, some experts fear that if the security situation in the region deteriorates, it may have an impact on the international oil market.
Iran has not yet commented on the attack, but it is believed to reignite tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. US President Donald Trump has already announced a 20 per cent ‘security fee’ or tax on all cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. “All ships must pay a 20 percent tax to ensure the safety and security of Hormuz,” he wrote on Truth Social on Monday.