West Asia Crisis: Indian Crew Member Killed as Iranian Missiles Hit UAE Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

An Indian sailor lost his life and eight crew members were injured after Iranian missiles hit two UAE oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over security in the Gulf.

New Delhi: An Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a major escalation in tensions across the Gulf region.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the vessels Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were sailing through the southern shipping lane in Omani territorial waters when they came under attack. The Indian national who died was serving aboard the Mombasa.

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Six Indians Among the Injured

The missile strikes left eight crew members injured, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian citizens. Officials said four of the injured suffered serious wounds and are receiving medical treatment.

The attack also triggered fires on both tankers. However, the crew acted quickly to contain the flames, preventing the blaze from spreading further and avoiding a larger maritime disaster in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

UAE Condemns Attack, Warns of Response

The UAE government strongly condemned the missile strike, describing it as a serious breach of international law. In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence said the country reserves the right to respond to any action that threatens its sovereignty, maritime interests and national security.

The statement added that the UAE remains prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its waters and protect regional stability.

Fresh Incident Reported Near Oman

In a separate development, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker travelling around 40 nautical miles northeast of Oman's Qalhat was struck by an unidentified projectile.

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While the vessel suffered damage to its starboard-side engine room, all crew members were reported safe. Authorities have not confirmed whether this incident was connected to the attack on the UAE tankers.

Recent US operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and renewed restrictions on Iranian shipping have increased fears of a wider conflict in the Gulf. Iran has rejected external attempts to influence access to the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining that decisions regarding the strategic waterway will not be dictated by foreign powers.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes, carrying nearly 20% of global seaborne oil and gas exports. Any disruption in the narrow passage has the potential to impact international energy supplies, shipping operations and global fuel prices, making developments in the region closely watched by governments and markets worldwide.