Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are rising after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking another tanker linked to its state oil company.
The vessel was traveling through the strait on Friday when it was hit, according to UAE state media. The ship belongs to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, known as ADNOC. No injuries were reported. The company said the situation was under control.
The incident is the third reported attack on an ADNOC tanker in less than one week. The UAE says the attacks were carried out by Iran as the conflict around the key waterway continues.
The UAE Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the latest incident. It called on Iran to stop attacks on ships and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry said the attack violated international rules on freedom of navigation. It also pointed to a United Nations Security Council resolution that rejects attacks on commercial ships and efforts to block major sea routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. A large share of global oil trade has passed through the waterway. Before the war began on Feb. 28, around 20% of the world’s oil supply moved through the strait.
That role makes any attack on ships in the area a major concern for global energy markets.
The latest incident came only one day after the UAE blamed Iran for attacks on two other ADNOC tankers. Those vessels suffered minor damage. No crew members were hurt in those incidents.
The repeated attacks have increased pressure on the UAE and Iran. They have also raised new concerns about the safety of commercial ships using the waterway.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned in the past that ships could face attacks if they are linked to countries that oppose Tehran. Iranian forces have also said ships must follow orders while passing through the strait.
UAE officials say the country will continue to protect its interests.
Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the repeated attacks would not change the UAE’s policy. He said the country would protect its right to use the Strait of Hormuz under international law.
Gargash also said the UAE would defend its sovereignty and interests. At the same time, he stressed that the country would continue to support dialogue and diplomatic efforts.
The comments show the difficult balance facing the UAE. The country wants to protect its ships and trade routes. It also wants to avoid a wider conflict in a region already facing high tension.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply during the conflict. Iran and the United States have made different claims about control of the waterway.
Iran has said the strait will stay closed until the United States accepts its conditions for ending the war. The Trump administration, however, has said it can keep its naval blockade of Iran for as long as needed.
The dispute has created a major risk for global shipping. Any longer closure of the strait could affect oil supplies and raise costs for buyers around the world.
For the UAE, the latest tanker attack adds to an already serious security challenge. ADNOC ships are vital to the country’s energy trade. Continued attacks could force shipping firms to take longer routes or seek stronger security measures.
For Iran, control of the waterway remains an important part of its pressure campaign. But attacks on commercial ships could also increase international pressure on Tehran.
The situation remains tense. More attacks or a longer closure could have effects far beyond the Gulf. For now, the UAE says it will protect its shipping rights while keeping diplomatic options open.
