Two Oil Vessels Attacked (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: A fresh crisis has emerged in the Gulf region after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of carrying out a “hostile attack” on two vessels linked to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said the incident targeted commercial vessels belonging to the state-owned energy company while they were passing through the vital waterway. No casualties have been reported so far, but the alleged attack has raised concerns over maritime security and the safety of global energy supplies.
According to UAE officials, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was responsible for what Abu Dhabi described as an act of aggression against commercial shipping.
The UAE alleged that the attack represented a dangerous use of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic pressure and threatened regional stability. Officials warned that any disruption in the area could have consequences for international energy markets.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the IRGC have not issued any immediate response to the allegations.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
Any disruption in the region has the potential to impact global fuel prices, shipping costs and energy security.
Tensions around the waterway have increased amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional opponents, with several countries raising concerns over the safety of commercial vessels.
The latest incident reportedly marks the second time in less than a week that an ADNOC-linked vessel has come under attack.
The UAE has repeatedly warned that threats against commercial shipping could destabilise trade routes and increase risks for international maritime operations.
The development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington had established control over the Strait of Hormuz and could maintain its presence in the region.
Trump described the US naval position as a strong deterrent against Iran, while accusing Tehran of suffering major military and economic setbacks.
With accusations flying between Abu Dhabi and Tehran, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of a growing geopolitical confrontation that could impact global energy markets.
