UAE Says Iranian Drones Struck ADNOC Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Reflecto News | Breaking News | Middle East
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of launching a drone attack on an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) tanker as it transited the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday, sharply escalating tensions just as the U.S. Navy begins escorting trapped commercial vessels through the waterway .
The UAE foreign ministry said two Iranian drones struck the crude oil tanker, which was empty at the time, and that there were no injuries . The vessel was identified as the MV Barakah, a tanker operating off the coast of Oman .
“We will go to the beach, we will fly, we will do whatever we have to do,” one official was quoted as saying, though the ministry warned that using the Strait as a “tool of economic coercion or blackmail constitutes acts of piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps” .
🎯 Calls for Unconditional Reopening
The UAE demanded that Iran “stop these treacherous attacks” and ensure its “full commitment to halting all hostilities” . It further stressed the need to achieve the “complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait” to preserve regional security and global economic stability .
The attack came as Tehran threatened to strike any U.S. warship that attempts to enter the waterway and as President Donald Trump launched “Project Freedom” — a mission to guide hundreds of stranded vessels out of the Persian Gulf . The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency confirmed an incident approximately 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah, reporting that a tanker had been struck by “unknown projectiles” .
⚔️ A Volatile Flashpoint
Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran on February 28, the Strait has effectively become a battleground state. Tehran has imposed tight restrictions, causing about 20,000 seafarers to remain stranded . The region has witnessed dozens of attacks and ship seizures, destroying global confidence in the safety of Gulf shipping lanes.
The UAE has been a prominent U.S. ally during the conflict. The attack comes as the Trump administration has been pushing for a broader ceasefire, however, diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan remain stalled, with Iran insisting that any long-term truce must include the complete withdrawal of foreign forces and a permanent change to the legal status of the Strait .
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Target | ADNOC oil tanker (MV Barakah) |
| Method | Two Iranian drones |
| Status | No injuries; vessel was empty |
| UAE Response | Condemned as “terrorist attack” and “piracy” |
| Demand | Iran must unconditionally reopen the Strait |
| Timing | Hours before “Project Freedom” escort mission |
| Conflict Status | Diplomatic talks stalled; ceasefire extended but no agreement |
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