Kathmandu— The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of attacking two oil tankers owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil and gas company ADNOC as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening, labeling the incidents acts of piracy. No casualties were reported, but the attacks highlight ongoing risks to maritime traffic in the strategically important passage connecting the Persian Gulf to open oceans. The incident comes amid a backdrop of broader regional instability, including continued conflict in Yemen and efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Tanker Attacks Spark Accusations

ADNOC confirmed that two of its tankers were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the situation was quickly brought under control. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center also reported that two vessels sustained minor damage after being targeted by drones in the same area, seemingly confirming the incident. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry directly blamed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps for the attacks, characterizing them as a “flagrant violation” of international maritime principles and an attempt to use economic coercion.

West Bank Siege and Settler Violence

In the occupied West Bank, activists have been working to provide aid to Palestinian families in the town of Qusra who have been under siege by Israeli settlers for nearly a week. Despite interventions from Israeli troops, the settlers continue to surround the area, preventing residents from leaving their homes. This standoff is part of a larger pattern of increasing settler violence in the territory, which Israel seized in 1967 and intends to include as part of a future Palestinian state. Israel’s Defense Minister has instructed the army to prepare for a transfer of civilian enforcement responsibilities to police.

Yemen Conflict Continues

Fighting continues in Yemen, with the country's military claiming to have disrupted Houthi attacks in the southwestern part of the nation on Friday. Dozens of Houthis were reportedly killed or injured as they attempted to attack military reinforcements using drones, explosives and artillery. A fire also broke out at the port in Mokha after it was targeted by Houthi missiles. The Houthis separately claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in Najran, near Yemen’s border, though no immediate comment was available from the company or Saudi Arabia.

Gaza Ceasefire Efforts Underway

Jared Kushner, U.S. President Trump's son-in-law and negotiator, is scheduled to travel to the Middle East next week in an effort to advance plans for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. The trip comes after a recently announced ceasefire deal faced opposition within Israel. Kushner will be joined by Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair, members of the Board of Peace established to oversee the fragile truce. They are expected to meet with Palestinian officials in Cairo who are preparing to assume control of Gaza under the U.S.-brokered agreement.

Kushner’s visit aims to overcome obstacles to implementing the ceasefire deal and facilitate a transition of power in Gaza, though challenges remain given ongoing regional tensions.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.