Istanbul / Anadolu

The UAE Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the death of one person and the injury of 8 others as a result of an Iranian missile strike targeting two Emirati oil tankers, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The ministry said in a statement that "the two national tankers (Mombasa) and (Al Bahia) were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles in the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz, in Omani territorial waters."

The attack resulted in "the death of a crew member of the tanker (Mombasa) of Indian nationality, and the injury of 8 (6 of Indian nationality and 2 of Ukrainian nationality), including 4 serious injuries," according to the same statement.

It also led to "material damage to the two tankers due to a fire breaking out on them, and the fire on the two tankers was brought under control."

The ministry condemned the attack, which it described as "flagrant," and considered it "a serious violation and a clear breach of international law, as it threatens the security and stability of the region."

It stressed that "the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, and residents, ensuring the preservation of its sovereignty, security, stability, and the protection of its national interests and capabilities."

For days, the United States has been launching attacks on Iran under the pretext of responding to Tehran's targeting of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Tehran retaliates by bombing what it says are U.S. military facilities in Arab countries, while some of those countries have announced that Iranian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damaged civilian facilities.

The Strait of Hormuz region is witnessing security tensions against the backdrop of the war launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026.

In June 2026, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that included a ceasefire, following Qatari and Pakistani mediation, paving the way for a final agreement to end the war, before U.S. President Trump announced on July 8 of this month the end of the ceasefire amid renewed escalation.