DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates condemned the targeting of a crude oil tanker affiliated with ADNOC while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in statement on Monday.
The vessel, identified by ADNOC Logistics &. Services as crude oil tanker MV Barakah, was hit by two drones off the coast of the UAE and Oman, a British maritime agency had reported eariler Monday, as the United States said it would escort ships through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
“A tanker has reported being hit by unknown projectiles,” the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, adding that all crew members were safe.
No crew were hurt in the attack and the ship was carrying no cargo.
In a statement on X, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed the attack, saying it was a “flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which affirmed the importance of navigation and rejected the targeting of commercial vessels or the obstruction of international maritime routes.”
The ministry’s statement went on to accuse Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as a “tool of economic coercion or blackmail” adding that it represented “acts of piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps” and constituted a “direct threat to the stability of the region.”
The statement renewed the UAE’s call for Iran to halt the “unprovoked attacks” and for Iran to ensure “its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
The UKMTO called on vessels to transit the region “with caution” as authorities investigate.
The report came as the US and Iran remain deadlocked in peace negotiations since a ceasefire in the Middle East war came into effect on April 8.
Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and the United States has put in place a naval blockade in return.
US President Donald Trump said Sunday the US would begin escorting ships through the strait from Monday.
US Central Command said it would use guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members in the effort.
As of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine. There had been more than 1,100 at the start of the conflict.
Arab world condemns attack
The attack was condemned by Jordan, who said in a post on X: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Affairs affirmed in a statement Jordan's rejection and condemnation of this attack, emphasizing Jordan's absolute solidarity with the sisterly United Arab Emirates, and its full support for all steps it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens.”
Qatar also condemned the attack, describing it as “a blatant violation of international law and the principle of freedom of maritime navigation, as well as a flagrant breach of Security Council Resolution No. 2817.”
In a statement, the foreign ministry rejected the use of the strategic waterway as a tool of pressure, urged its unconditional reopening, and warned that any continued disruption would threaten regional interests.
Doha also expressed full solidarity with the UAE and backed measures to protect its assets.
Egypt also issued a statement condemning the attack.
(With agencies)
