The United Arab Emirates has condemned what it called a “brazen” attack on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident killed one Indian crew member and injured eight others, increasing tensions between Iran and the United States.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said Iranian cruise missiles targeted the vessels on Monday. Six injured crew members were from India, while two were Ukrainian nationals. Four of those injured suffered serious wounds.
The UAE said the attack was a violation of international law and warned that such actions threaten regional security and stability.
Iran Defends Strike on Tankers
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it carried out the attack. The group claimed the two tankers ignored warnings, disabled their navigation systems, and attempted to cross an area affected by sea mines.
The IRGC said its forces struck the vessels and stopped their movement. It also warned that cooperation with Iran’s opponents could create further damage and delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Any disruption could affect global energy supplies.
US Announces New Measures Over Strait Control
US President Donald Trump announced new actions against Iran as fighting continued between the two countries.
Trump said the United States would restore a naval blockade around Iranian ports and introduce a 20% charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the move was designed to increase security in the region.
The US president also said American forces were carrying out heavy strikes against Iran’s military capabilities. However, he added that a peace agreement between the two countries was still possible.
US Strikes Iranian Military Targets
US Central Command said American forces launched attacks on Iranian military locations following orders from the president.
The strikes targeted areas including Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas. US officials said the attacks aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.
Iran responded by reporting attacks on US military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iranian forces claimed they damaged weapons facilities, communication sites, and locations linked to American troops.
The IRGC later said it also targeted a US linked air base in Jordan using ballistic missiles.
Oil Markets React to Rising Tensions
The conflict has already affected global oil prices. Brent crude prices increased after a sharp rise on Monday as concerns grew over the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remains a major focus of the conflict because a large share of the world’s oil supply passes through it. Continued fighting between Iran and the US could create further uncertainty for energy markets.
