A missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz has left one Indian sailor dead and eight crew members injured after two UAE oil tankers were struck by Iranian
cruise missiles, according to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence.
The vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were sailing through the southern shipping lane in Omani territorial waters when they came under attack. The Indian national who died was serving on board the Mombasa.
Among the injured, four sustained serious injuries. Six of the injured are Indian nationals, while the remaining two are Ukrainian citizens.
The missile strikes sparked fires on both vessels and caused extensive damage. However, crew members managed to bring the blazes under control, preventing a larger disaster in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
The UAE strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of international law and warning that it reserved the right to take action.
“The UAE remains fully prepared to confront any threat and respond decisively to actions that undermine regional stability,” the defence ministry said.
The attack comes as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing conflict.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile around 40 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Qalhat. The impact damaged the vessel’s engine room, but all crew members were reported safe. It remains unclear whether the incident involved one of the UAE tankers or a different vessel.
The latest strike follows renewed US military operations targeting Iranian coastal surveillance systems, missile sites and drone infrastructure after President Donald Trump announced fresh blockade on Iranian shipping.
Iran has rejected any outside control over the strategic waterway, insisting that decisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz cannot be dictated by foreign powers.
The continuing conflict has increased concerns over maritime security and global energy supplies
