Abu Dhabi Condemns Iran After Two ADNOC Tankers Attacked In Strait Of Hormuz

Two tankers owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening, prompting the United Arab Emirates to blame Iran and condemn the incident as a serious violation of freedom of navigation. ADNOC said no injuries were reported and that the situation was brought under control shortly after the attack. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that two vessels sustained minor damage after being attacked by drones while travelling through the strategic waterway. Although UKMTO did not identify the ships, its description appeared to correspond to the incident involving the two ADNOC-linked tankers.

The attacks occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important waterways and a major route for global energy shipments. The narrow passage connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is used by tankers transporting crude oil and other petroleum products from major producers in the region. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly blamed Iran for the attacks. In a statement issued early Friday, the ministry said Abu Dhabi “strongly condemned and denounced” what it described as a hostile Iranian attack targeting the two ADNOC-affiliated vessels while they were transiting the strait.

The UAE described the incident as a “flagrant violation” of United Nations principles concerning freedom of navigation. Abu Dhabi also called on Iran to stop what it characterised as unprovoked attacks and demanded the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has heightened concerns over maritime security in the region, particularly because of the strategic importance of the waterway to international energy markets. Any disruption to tanker traffic through the strait can have wider consequences for oil supplies, shipping costs and global energy prices.

Also Read: UAE Reports Attacks On Two ADNOC Vessels In Strait Of Hormuz

ADNOC said the two vessels were attacked while passing through the waterway but confirmed that there were no reported injuries. The company also said the situation was brought under control soon after the incident. Further details about the nature of the damage or the identity of the vessels have not been publicly disclosed in the information available. The UKMTO's report that drones were involved adds to the security concerns surrounding commercial shipping in the area. The organisation, which monitors maritime security incidents, said the vessels sustained minor damage. It did not publicly attribute responsibility for the attacks in its initial report. The UAE's decision to publicly attribute the attacks to Iran marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic fallout surrounding the incident.

Abu Dhabi's demand for the reopening of the waterway also underscores the importance it places on maintaining unrestricted commercial navigation through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz has repeatedly emerged as a flashpoint during periods of heightened tensions involving Iran and other regional and international powers. The latest attacks involving ADNOC tankers are likely to increase scrutiny of shipping activity in the waterway and raise further questions about the security of one of the world's most important energy corridors. For now, the UAE has called for an end to the attacks and the restoration of open navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities and maritime security agencies are continuing to assess the incident, while the attribution of responsibility and its broader implications remain central to the developing situation.

Also Read: Iran Claims Control Of Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Regional Tensions