Iranian Missile Attack on UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz Results in Casualties

In a significant escalation of tensions, two UAE tankers were hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility, stating the tankers ignored warnings. The UAE condemned the attack as a breach of international law and asserted its right to respond. This incident coincides with the US reinstating a naval blockade on Iranian ports, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital shipping route, underscoring the global implications of this conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 09:18 IST

Missile Strike on UAE Tankers

Tehran: Two tankers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were reportedly hit by missiles launched by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to six others. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran took responsibility for the incident on Tuesday (July 14), asserting that the tankers, described as 'rogue', disregarded multiple warnings. This announcement was made public through IRIB, the state broadcaster of Iran. The IRGC claimed that these tankers were misled by the United States into navigating the southern route in Omani waters by disabling their navigation systems. They further stated that the tankers were 'hit and disabled' after ignoring the warnings, as reported by Al Jazeera, referencing the IRIB statement.

Earlier on the same day, the UAE's Ministry of Defence confirmed that its vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while traveling through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, which falls within Omani territorial waters. The UAE MoD reported that the attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and injuries to eight others, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainians, with four individuals suffering serious injuries. The UAE condemned the assault as a 'serious breach of international law' and asserted its right to respond and take necessary actions to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

The Ministry of Defence stated, 'The national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters. The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker and the injury of eight others, including four who sustained serious injuries. The injured comprise six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. The attack also caused material damage to both tankers due to the fires that erupted on board, which have since been controlled.'

This missile strike occurred as the administration of US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The US military indicated that this blockade, which had been in place from April to June, would resume later on Tuesday. Trump also stated that the United States would take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% fee on cargo passing through this crucial waterway. He mentioned on social media, 'The United States will control the Strait of Hormuz, and will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.'

It is important to note that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping lane, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas used to transit before the onset of the US-Iran conflict.