UAE Accuses Iran of Cruise Missile Strikes on Two Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz, Killing Indian Crew Member
From Our International Desk
Dubai: In a sharp escalation of tensions in the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has accused Iran of firing cruise missiles at two UAE-flagged tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of one Indian crew member and injuries to eight others.
According to the UAE statement issued on July 13, the tankers Mombasa (oil) and Al Bahiyah (LNG) were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern lane of the strategic waterway in Omani territorial waters. Fires broke out on both vessels but were subsequently brought under control.
The deceased crew member, an Indian national aboard the Mombasa, was killed in the attack. Among the eight injured — four of them seriously — six are Indian nationals and two are Ukrainian.
The UAE strongly condemned the incident as a “serious breach of international law” and asserted its right to respond appropriately to protect its sovereignty and security.
The attack underscores the persistent and severe risks to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint carrying about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Maritime authorities had already raised the threat level to “severe” following earlier incidents in July 2026, citing deliberate hostile actions.
Recent weeks have seen disrupted tanker traffic, with some voyages paused due to elevated insurance premiums and war risk assessments. Insurers have advised caution, and shipping data indicates near-standstill conditions at times amid ongoing retaliatory exchanges. The latest strike is expected to further strain operations, raise oil prices, and complicate efforts to restore stable transit under any interim agreements.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of broader regional conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with repeated attacks on commercial vessels heightening vigilance for mariners. Indian authorities and the media have noted the casualties involving Indian seafarers, who constitute a significant part of the global maritime workforce. No immediate official reaction from Iran was reported in initial statements.
The UAE has not provided further details on additional evidence at the time of reporting but described the strikes as deliberate targeting of national assets.
