Two oil tankers affiliated with the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned oil company were struck by drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening, according to multiple reports. The incidents occurred as vessels operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) navigated the critical waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and open ocean routes.
UAE authorities and ADNOC confirmed the attacks, stating that the strikes caused no injuries and that the situation was brought under control. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported two separate drone strikes on tankers in the strait on the same day, noting minor damage but no casualties or environmental impact.
Immediate Response and Official Statements
The UAE Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday, directly attributing the attacks to Iran, calling them an act of piracy carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The ministry described the strikes as a hostile action targeting vessels linked to ADNOC, a state-owned enterprise. ADNOC confirmed via the official WAM news agency that two of its tankers were attacked during an outbound transit of the strait, with no reported injuries among crew members.
The UKMTO corroborated the incidents in two separate statements, noting that a tanker was struck by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) while conducting an outbound transit. The agency confirmed that the vessel sustained minor damage, all crew were safe, and no environmental impact was reported. It did not specify whether the affected tankers were the ADNOC-affiliated vessels.
Broader Context and Regional Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in regional tensions, with Iran frequently asserting control over the waterway, which carries a significant portion of global oil shipments. The UAE’s accusation follows a pattern of reported attacks on commercial vessels in the area, including prior incidents involving ADNOC-affiliated tankers. Last week, ADNOC stated that three of its tankers had been attacked in the strait, with the UAE Foreign Ministry reporting an additional attack on an ADNOC tanker the following day.
The United States has previously opposed Iran’s actions in the strait, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning of potential economic measures against Iran. Bessent stated that new sanctions were expected, describing them as a form of economic isolation to counter Iran’s blockade of the strait. He emphasized that the U.S. aims to prevent any vessels from entering or exiting Iranian ports, framing the strait’s blockade as a central issue in broader geopolitical tensions.
Operational and Safety Implications
The attacks highlight ongoing risks for commercial shipping in the region, particularly for vessels linked to state-owned entities. ADNOC reported that the situation was brought under control following the strikes, and no further details about the damage or potential disruptions to oil shipments were immediately available. The UKMTO and other maritime monitoring groups continue to track vessel movements in the strait, which remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Iran has not issued an official response to the accusations as of the latest reports. The IRGC, which the UAE has implicated in the attacks, has historically denied responsibility for such incidents, though it has previously claimed responsibility for actions in the region under different circumstances.
Background: The Strait of Hormuz and Its Strategic Importance
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes annually. Its closure or disruption could have significant economic repercussions, particularly for oil-importing nations. Iran has periodically threatened to restrict or block the strait in response to international sanctions or perceived threats, though such actions have not materialized in recent years. The waterway’s strategic importance has made it a focal point for military and diplomatic tensions between Iran and regional and global powers.
The latest incidents underscore the persistent risks to maritime security in the region, with commercial vessels remaining vulnerable to drone strikes and other asymmetric threats. Maritime authorities and industry groups continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to prevent further disruptions.