Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has blamed Iran after a vessel owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil and gas company ADNOC was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Emirati authorities.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said Iran fired a missile at the vessel as part of attacks targeting commercial shipping in the strategically important waterway.
No Casualties Reported
ADNOC said there were no casualties in the attack, which occurred early Saturday. The company did not provide details about the vessel’s exact location or the extent of any damage.
ADNOC said that more than a dozen of its vessels have been targeted by missiles and drones while passing through the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran in February.
According to the company, the attacks have resulted in one crew member being killed and 20 others injured.
Vessel Reported Hit Near Oman
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) later reported that a vessel located east of Khasab, Oman, had been struck by a projectile.
The incident reportedly caused a fire, which was subsequently extinguished. The vessel and its crew were reported to be safe.
It was not immediately clear whether the vessel reported by UKMTO was the same ADNOC-owned vessel involved in the incident.
Strait of Hormuz Under Growing Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.
Iran and Oman, which lie on opposite sides of the waterway, have been discussing arrangements to manage the strait amid the ongoing conflict. The waterway had traditionally been regarded as an international maritime passage before the war.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
