Kathmandu— The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of striking an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) tanker with a missile during the early hours of Saturday morning as it transited the Strait of Hormuz. The strike occurred in the strategic waterway, a critical chokepoint for a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil, and has prompted swift condemnation from several Gulf and Arab governments.

Allegations of Piracy and Economic Blackmail

Abu Dhabi has characterized the strike as an act of piracy carried out by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Tehran to immediately halt its attacks and to reopen the strait fully and unconditionally.

The ministry further stated that using the waterway as a tool for economic blackmail or pressure poses a direct threat to global energy security and regional stability. While ADNOC confirmed that one of its ships was targeted by a missile, the company has not yet released specific details regarding the vessel's exact location or the extent of the damage sustained during the attack.

Escalating Maritime Attacks

This latest incident follows a series of strikes against ADNOC assets. The company reported on Friday that it has been significantly affected by unprovoked attacks on its personnel and assets, noting that it continues to meet customer requirements despite an "exceptionally challenging environment."

Since the start of the current conflict, ADNOC has reported that 15 of its vessels have been targeted by missiles and drones while transiting the strait. These attacks, which included three incidents this week alone, have resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to 20 others.

Regional Condemnation and Legal Concerns

The attack has triggered a wave of diplomatic condemnation across the Middle East. Jassim Mohammed al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, described the strike as a "dangerous and unacceptable escalation" and called for international action to protect maritime navigation.

Saudi Arabia condemned the targeting of the tanker in the strongest terms, stating that Iran's continued strikes constitute a grave breach of international law and Resolution 2817. Similarly, Jordan described the attack as a flagrant violation of international law, while Qatar rejected the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip and warned that its continued closure threatens the interests of the global economy.

The reported strike marks a sharp escalation in tensions within the Strait of Hormuz, where the UAE and its neighbors continue to press for the uninterrupted passage of international shipping.

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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.