UAE Accuses Iran of Drone Attack on ADNOC Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates has condemned Iran for launching two attack drones at an ADNOC-affiliated oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the incident an act of piracy and a violation of international navigation freedoms.

According to UAE statements and reports circulating on Monday, the tanker was struck after allegedly ignoring Iranian naval warnings. No injuries were reported, and the vessel sustained damage (details on severity remain limited).

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has also reported a tanker hit by “unknown projectiles” approximately 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah, UAE — an area near the southern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. Crew members are safe, and investigations are ongoing.

Iranian sources (including IRGC-linked media) have claimed responsibility in some reports, framing it as a response to the tanker disregarding warnings amid the U.S.-led “Project Freedom” operation to guide ships through the blocked waterway.

This incident occurs hours after Iranian state media claimed (unverified) missile strikes on a U.S. Navy warship in the same area. It is part of a broader pattern of attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports began. Over two dozen vessels have been targeted in recent months.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of global oil trade, and such incidents continue to drive volatility in energy markets.