UAE Accuses Iran of Attacking Two Oil Vessels in Strait of Hormuz; No Injuries

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) reported that two of its vessels were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accused Iran of carrying out the assault, though no injuries have been reported.

This marks the second such incident involving ADNOC vessels in less than a week. On Saturday, the UAE condemned what it said was an Iranian attack on a vessel linked to the state oil company as it passed through the strait. ADNOC had also acknowledged on Friday that it had been "significantly affected" by what it described as unprovoked attacks on its personnel and assets, while continuing to meet customer requirements in an "exceptionally challenging environment."

The UAE's state news agency WAM quoted ADNOC as saying the situation had been brought under control following Thursday's incident.

The UAE Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement, condemning what it called a "hostile Iranian attack" on the two ADNOC vessels. The ministry accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards of committing "acts of piracy" by targeting commercial shipping and using the strategic waterway as a tool of economic pressure or blackmail. It said such actions pose a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security.

No specific details have been released about the vessels involved, their cargoes, or any damage sustained. The lack of information has made it difficult to independently verify the circumstances of the reported attack.

Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have not yet commented on the UAE's allegations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies, with roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. The narrow waterway, situated between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a vital route for crude oil exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar, as well as for LNG deliveries from the region.

Since the outbreak of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on February 28, shipping through the strait has been repeatedly disrupted. This has led to increased freight rates, higher insurance premiums for vessels, and growing concerns about the safety of maritime trade routes. The IRGC has previously threatened to take action against vessels transiting the strait if they are linked to Tehran's adversaries or if they fail to comply with Iranian directives. These threats have heightened anxieties among shipping companies and international traders.

ADNOC, Abu Dhabi's state-owned oil company, is among the world's largest energy producers. It exports crude oil, natural gas, and refined products to markets across the globe, making its operations vital to both the UAE's economy and international energy supply chains. The company operates a network of pipelines, terminals, and tankers that supply customers in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Disruptions to its operations could have far-reaching consequences for oil prices worldwide.

The latest incident is likely to intensify concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the stability of global oil markets. The UAE's accusations, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. However, without independent verification or a response from Tehran, the full circumstances remain unclear.