UAE accuses Iran of missile strike on state oil tanker

The United Arab Emirates has formally accused Iran of launching a missile attack against a state-owned oil tanker belonging to the national oil company ADNOC in the Strait of Hormuz. Abu Dhabi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday condemned the "hostile Iranian attack" on the vessel, which was reportedly struck by a missile while transiting the crucial waterway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.

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condemned the “hostile Iranian attack” against the ship, which was hit by a missile while sailing through the strait.

According to ADNOC, the Emirati company, 15 of its ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the Iran-Houthimi war. Three of these attacks occurred just this past week. Iran has effectively blockaded this strategically vital maritime route, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied gas exports passed before the conflict began in late February.

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negotiations with neighboring Oman regarding shipping rules in the strait are nearing the “final stage.” However, this does not mean that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Additional conditions are being imposed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that negotiations with neighboring Oman regarding shipping rules in the strait were nearing their "final stage." However, he cautioned that this does not guarantee the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened, as additional conditions are being imposed. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has emphasized that the issue of reopening the strait should be considered separately from the talks with Oman. Earlier this week, reports indicated that Tehran had threatened Persian Gulf nations with strikes against their power plants and desalination facilities if the U.S. were to attack Iranian forces. This threat followed U.S. President Donald Trump's earlier threats of massive new attacks against Iran, which he reportedly postponed at the request of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

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the issue of opening the strait should be considered separately from the negotiations with Oman.