UAE tankers hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran launched two cruise‑missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates’ oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah in the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters. The strikes killed one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and injured eight others – six Indians and two Ukrainians – with four seriously wounded. Fires on both vessels were brought under control and the ships sustained material damage.
The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of international law and said it reserves the right to respond. The United States responded with a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets, reinstated a naval blockade of Iranian shipping, and announced a 20 % fee on cargo transiting the strait. President Donald Trump formally notified Congress that hostilities had resumed and declared the United States the “guardian of the Hormuz Strait.”
The escalation sent oil markets higher: Brent crude rose above $84‑$85 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed to around $80, reflecting fears of supply disruptions through the world’s key oil chokepoint.