The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense announced on July 14 (local time) that two oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz were attacked by Iran.

The UAE Ministry of Defense explained that the state-owned oil tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the shipping lane south of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.

The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa, while eight others—six Indians and two Ukrainians—sustained injuries.

Four of the injured are reported to be in serious condition, and both tankers caught fire following the strikes.

The UAE Ministry of Defense condemned the attack, labeling it a grave act that threatens regional security and violates international law.

The ministry further emphasized that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents.

While Gulf nations typically do not specify the perpetrators of maritime attacks, the UAE has explicitly identified Iran in this instance.

However, the UAE Ministry of Defense did not disclose the specific time or location of the attack.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that it received a notification on July 13 at approximately 9:04 p.m. that a tanker had been struck by an unidentified projectile about 74 kilometers northeast of Qalhat, Oman.

As Qalhat is located approximately 500 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz in a straight line, it has not been confirmed whether this incident is related to the tankers that were hit.

Since early March, Iran has designated the existing shipping lanes used before the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as dangerous waters and has insisted that vessels use the safe routes established by the country.

Based on the account provided by the UAE Ministry of Defense, it appears the tankers were attacked while navigating the Traffic Separation Scheme, which is the established shipping route.