Kathmandu— The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accused Iran of attacking two oil tankers affiliated with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening, marking the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about regional stability and global energy security. No injuries were reported in either attack, but the UAE has strongly condemned Iran’s actions as hostile and amounting to “piracy.” The attacks occurred against a backdrop of ongoing tensions, including Iran's attempts to control passage through the strait and impose fees on users.

Recent Attacks and Condemnation

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement early Friday strongly condemning what it described as a “hostile Iranian attack” targeting the two ADNOC vessels. This incident follows a similar attack on an ADNOC tanker just days prior, on Saturday, which the UAE also blamed on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). No injuries were reported in either instance, but regional and Arab governments have voiced their condemnation of the attacks.

Strait of Hormuz Dispute

Iran has been seeking to assert greater control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and has proposed charging vessels for passage. This plan is fiercely opposed by the United States, which has responded with its own restrictions on Iranian shipping. Currently, Iran is engaged in discussions with Oman regarding potential arrangements for managing the strait’s future operations. The IRGC has previously issued threats against any vessels traversing the strait that are linked to Tehran's adversaries or fail to adhere to Iranian directives.

Escalating Tensions and Accusations

The Emirati Foreign Ministry characterized Iran’s attempts to leverage the Strait of Hormuz for economic coercion as “piracy,” asserting it poses a “direct threat” to regional stability, its populations, and the global energy supply. ADNOC has reported that a total of 15 of its vessels have been attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz since February, coinciding with what they describe as the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

The situation remains tense as Iran has not yet commented on the latest accusations. The UAE is likely to continue to push for international condemnation and measures to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.