Indian Crew Member Killed in Iranian Missile Attack on UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after Iranian cruise missiles struck two United Arab Emirates (UAE) national tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The attack occurred as the vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were transiting the southern shipping lane of the strategic waterway within Omani territorial waters.
The injured include six Indians and two Ukrainians, with four individuals sustaining serious injuries, according to official reports. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, following fresh US military strikes on Iranian positions.
The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement condemning the strike as a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability. The ministry affirmed that the UAE reserves its full right to respond and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty and national interests.
The attack comes amid heightened competition between Iran and the United States for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's crude oil and natural gas supplies once flowed during peacetime. Following the strikes, Brent crude oil prices rose by 7.8% to $81.92 per barrel, raising concerns about potential global price increases.
In a social media post, the US Central Command announced that American forces had initiated another series of military strikes targeting Iran. The command stated, 'These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.'
US President Donald Trump described the operation as 'another major attack,' telling reporters, 'We're hitting them very hard. And it'll continue. We're knocking out all of their offensive capability and we're controlling the straits. We're putting the blockade back.' Trump also revealed that his administration would now charge tolls for ships passing through the strait, reversing an earlier stance. 'We're protecting a very rich portion of the world. We're spending money. And so, what we've done is, we are going to be reimbursed for protection,' he said.
The human toll of the attack has drawn particular concern, with the Indian government confirming the death of one national and expressing condolences to the family. The injured are receiving medical treatment, and authorities are coordinating with UAE officials to ensure their well-being.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in regional geopolitics, with Iran previously threatening to disrupt shipping in response to sanctions and military actions. The latest escalation underscores the fragile security situation in the Gulf and the potential for broader conflict affecting global energy markets and civilian lives.
