The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned what it described as a “brazen” Iranian missile attack on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as United States President Donald Trump announced a fresh naval blockade targeting Iranian ports.
The attack, which occurred on Monday, reportedly killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others, including six Indians and two Ukrainians, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence.
In a statement, the ministry described the strike as a serious violation of international law that threatens regional security and stability.
“The Ministry of Defence condemns this brazen attack, which constitutes a serious violation and a clear breach of international law, threatening the security and stability of the region,” the statement said.
The incident comes amid escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran.
More Read
Trump said the US had launched fresh strikes against Iranian targets for a third consecutive night, adding that American forces were “hitting them very hard” and degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities.
The US president also announced that Washington would reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian ports and impose a 20 per cent charge on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of what he described as efforts to secure the strategic waterway.
He said the blockade would take effect from Tuesday and would prevent Iranian vessels and their customers from using the route, while allowing other countries continued access.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that military operations had resumed under presidential directive and said American forces would continue enforcing the blockade while supporting commercial shipping that complies with the restrictions.
Iran rejected the move, insisting it would continue to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had always been the “guardian” of the strait and would remain so, while suggesting the proposed US cargo charge was excessive.
Iranian state media also reported that the country’s military had targeted US assets in Kuwait in response to the latest American strikes.
The renewed confrontation has intensified concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) also questioned the legality of imposing charges on vessels using international straits, stating that there is no legal basis for mandatory transit tolls through waterways used for international navigation.
The latest developments have raised fears of further disruption to global energy supplies and renewed uncertainty over prospects for a negotiated settlement between Washington and Tehran, despite Trump’s assertion that a deal remains possible.
