UAE says Iran attacked two tankers in Strait of Hormuz, killing one
According to the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence, Iran fired two cruise missiles at the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry said both vessels caught fire after the attack, but emergency crews managed to extinguish the flames before the situation worsened.
Officials confirmed that one Indian crew member was killed in the attack, while eight others were injured, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. The reported attack came hours after the United States launched another wave of military strikes on Iran. US Central Command said the operation targeted Iranian military sites to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump described the operation as “another major attack” and said military action against Iran would continue. He also announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping.
Trump further proposed charging a fee for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz under US protection, saying Washington should be reimbursed for securing one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
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The proposal marks a significant shift in longstanding US policy, which has traditionally supported unrestricted navigation through international waterways without imposing transit fees. The latest escalation has intensified concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s crude oil and natural gas supplies passes.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the developments, with Brent crude prices rising by 7.8 percent to $81.92 per barrel as investors feared further disruptions to global energy supplies. Meanwhile, Bahrain also came under renewed attack after Iran reportedly launched strikes in response to the latest US military operation. Authorities activated missile warning sirens and urged residents to take shelter. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
The UAE condemned the attack on the tankers and said it reserved the right to respond. Officials added that all necessary measures would be taken to protect the country’s territory, citizens and residents. The latest developments highlight the growing risk of a wider regional conflict, with military tensions threatening global trade, energy supplies, and stability across the Middle East.
