One Indian Killed in Iranian Strike on UAE Tankers Amid Escalating Hormuz Conflict

A fresh escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States has spilled into one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, with two UAE-flagged oil tankers coming under missile attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The strike claimed the life of an Indian crew member, injured eight others, and has prompted a sharp condemnation from the United Arab Emirates, which has accused Iran of targeting commercial shipping and jeopardising global energy supplies.

Iranian missiles strike UAE tankers, Indian crew among casualties

The UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday confirmed that its national tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were hit by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.

According to the ministry, the attack killed one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and injured eight others, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. Four of the injured sustained serious injuries.

"The Ministry of Defence announces that the national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters. The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker and the injury of eight others, including four who sustained serious injuries. The injured comprise six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. The attack also caused material damage to both tankers as a result of the fires that broke out on board, which have since been brought under control," the post read.

The missile strike also caused significant damage to both vessels, with onboard fires breaking out before being successfully contained.

UAE condemns attack, warns of response

The UAE strongly condemned the missile strike, describing it as a serious violation of international law and asserting that it reserves the right to respond. Authorities also said the country's armed forces have heightened their state of readiness to safeguard national security and strategic interests.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) also denounced the attack in the strongest possible terms.

"The Ministry extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, as well as to the Government and people of the Republic of India, and wished all the injured a speedy recovery," the statement read.

The ministry further warned that targeting commercial shipping and weaponising the Strait of Hormuz threatens not only regional stability but also international trade and energy markets.

"The Ministry emphasised that targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of 'economic coercion' or 'blackmail' constitutes an act of piracy and poses a direct threat to the stability of the region, its peoples, and global energy security."

Calling for an immediate de-escalation, the UAE urged Tehran to cease hostilities and restore normal maritime movement through the strategic waterway.

"The UAE stressed the need for Iran to halt these unprovoked attacks, ensure its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in order to safeguard regional security and maintain the stability of the global economy and trade," the UAE said.

US-Iran confrontation intensifies around Hormuz

The attack comes amid renewed military tensions between Washington and Tehran following the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a move that prompted retaliatory US strikes on 140 locations across Iran.

The United States has also announced that it will resume a naval blockade targeting maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports beginning Tuesday evening.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the blockade would be aimed specifically at Iran while allowing ships from other countries to continue using the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters after signing an Executive Order, Trump said the blockade would apply only to Iran and those conducting business with Tehran.

(With inputs from ANI)