Tensions between the United States and Iran have reportedly escalated further after missile attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defence, one Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured in attacks on two UAE-flagged oil tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, while they were sailing through the southern route of the strategic waterway near Omani waters.
The UAE said the Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker died at the scene. Among the eight injured, six are Indian nationals and two are Ukrainian citizens, with four reported to be in critical condition. Although both tankers caught fire following the reported missile strikes, the crew managed to contain the blaze, preventing a larger disaster.
The UAE strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of international law and warning that it reserves the right to take appropriate measures to protect its sovereignty. Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that another tanker, located about 40 nautical miles northeast of Kalhat, Oman, was struck by an unidentified projectile that damaged its engine room. However, it remains unclear whether that incident is linked to the reported attacks on the UAE tankers.
