Iran launched cruise missiles at two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuring eight others.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has expressed a “strong protest” to the Iranian government, noting that ten of the deceased and injured were Indian nationals employed on a vessel operated by the UAE.
The two ships involved were very large crude carriers (VLCCs), managed by the shipping division of the UAE’s national energy company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
ADNOC has been actively involved in U.S. efforts to ensure safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which they navigate closely along the Omani coast.
Iran asserts it controls the strait and intends to start charging fees or ransoms from international shipping. The Iranian authorities claim that the vessels disobeyed their directions and violated a cease-fire agreement with the U.S. by attacking civilian ships off the coast.
According to ADNOC, the VLCCs Mombasa B and Al Baya were attacked while passing through Oman’s waters. Both vessels suffered “significant damage,” including on-board fires, which were later extinguished.
One crew member on the Mombasa B lost their life, and eight individuals were injured, four of them severely. Among the casualties, six were Indian, while two were Ukrainian.
Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Operations (UKMTO) Center reported another incident where a tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” while navigating northeast of Oman, causing minimal damage.
UKMTO confirmed that all crew members from this incident were safe, with no reported environmental damage.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) stated that the supertankers were attacked after they allegedly turned off their navigation systems and did not comply with orders. They reiterated that their actions were intended to maintain “maritime security” by disabling what they called an “illegal supertanker” before it entered a hazardous route.
The IRGC also accused the U.S. military of attempting to provoke ships into using “illegal routes,” warning that such actions could lead to regrettable consequences, prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and a potential global energy crisis.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian attack, labeling it a “serious violation” of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which emphasizes freedom of navigation and opposes targeting commercial vessels.
Furthermore, the UAE described the attack as acts of “economic coercion,” calling on Iran to cease its “unprovoked attacks” and adhere to its obligations to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE Ministry of Defense characterized Iran’s actions as a “serious violation of international law” and warned of a strong response to any escalation, affirming their right to protect their territory and citizens.
In India’s response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iran’s deputy envoy, issuing a strong protest regarding the incident that resulted in an Indian national’s death and injuries to others. They didn’t detail the conversation but released a public statement showing “deep concern” over the events in the Strait of Hormuz.
“India strongly condemns these attacks that target seafarers and disrupt the safe navigation of international waterways,” said the Ministry of External Affairs, urging a return to peace negotiations.
“Attacking commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must end to restore unimpeded navigation and commerce in line with international law,” they added.
