UAE: Sailor killed after two tankers targeted by Iranian strike in Hormuz Strait

SadaNews - The Emirati Ministry of Defense announced today, Tuesday, that a sailor was killed and eight others were injured after two national tankers were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles in the southern passage of the Hormuz Strait in Omani territorial waters, in the latest escalation in this strategic waterway.

The ministry explained that the national tankers Mombasa and Al-Bahia were targeted by the Iranian missiles in the southern passage of the Hormuz Strait, and the deceased Indian sailor was part of the crew of the Mombasa tanker.

It mentioned that the attack also resulted in injuries to eight people, including four serious injuries. Six of the injured are of Indian nationality, while two are of Ukrainian nationality.

The attack caused material damage to both tankers due to a fire that broke out on board them. The fire has been brought under control on both tankers.

The ministry condemned this "flagrant attack which constitutes a serious violation and a clear breach of international law," stressing that the state retains its full right to respond to this escalation in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty and security.

The ministry stated it is on high alert and prepared to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront anything that targets the state’s security and stability.

Separately, the British Maritime Trade Operations reported today, Tuesday, that an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while sailing 40 nautical miles northeast of the Omani city of Quriyat.

The agency reported that the tanker’s captain stated that a projectile hit the engine room on the starboard side, and that all crew members are safe.

Reuters was unable to immediately verify whether the agency’s report referred to the same incident reported by the Emirati Ministry of Defense. Iran has not commented on the recent attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated yesterday, Monday, that the United States will reinstate a blockade on Iranian navigation in the Gulf and will ensure that the Hormuz Strait remains open—for a fee. He also warned that U.S. forces would strike Iran again "with great force" in the coming hours, after both sides exchanged missile and drone attacks.

Iran’s top military leadership insists that the United States should have no role in determining the future of the Hormuz Strait and affirms that it will not be allowed to intervene.

Before the outbreak of the war in February, around one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies passed through the Hormuz Strait daily, transporting more than 15 million barrels of fuel to global markets worth no less than $1.2 billion.