The United Arab Emirates (UAE) held Iran responsible for the attack on an ADNOC vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident.
The ministry said the attack was a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which rejects the targeting of commercial vessels and emphasizes freedom of navigation.
The statement described the targeting of commercial maritime transport and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as an instrument of economic pressure as acts of piracy. It said such attacks directly threatened regional stability, the safety of people in the region and global energy security.
UAE calls for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened
The UAE called for attacks against Iran to end, all hostile activities to cease and the Strait of Hormuz to be safely reopened. The ministry said these steps were necessary for regional stability as well as the security of the global economy and trade.
ADNOC also announced on Friday evening that one of its vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz had come under attack. The company said no one was injured and stressed the need to protect the safety of seafarers, freedom of navigation and maritime security.
Third attack targeting ADNOC vessels
The latest incident was the third attack targeting ADNOC vessels since August 8. A missile attack was carried out against one of the company’s tankers on the same day, while two tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz were targeted on Thursday.
The UAE also alleged that Iran was behind the August 8 attack and Thursday’s incident. Iranian authorities have not issued a statement on the allegations.
Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz increased after the war between the United States and Iran. The possibility of disruptions to maritime transport and global energy shipments heightened concerns in the region.
After the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, Iran carried out attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets in the region, followed by a ceasefire agreement. The United States resumed its attacks on Iran between July 8 and 24, while Tehran targeted U.S. military facilities and equipment in Arab countries.
Following these developments, talks resumed on establishing safe passage corridors for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation on June 18, but disputes over the strait’s security prevented the process from moving forward.
Maria Nica / Editor
