UAE Confirms Attack on ADNOC Vessel in Strait of Hormuz, Vows to Defend Navigation
An ADNOC vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with no injuries reported. The UAE vows to defend its navigation rights.
Abu Dhabi's state energy giant, ADNOC, confirmed on Saturday that one of its vessels was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz the previous day. The Emirati state news agency WAM reported the incident, stating that no injuries occurred and the situation is now under control.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, responded firmly, asserting that Abu Dhabi will protect its sovereignty and interests. "We will safeguard our rights to freedom of navigation... while continuing the path of dialogue and prioritising diplomatic options," Gargash stated on social media platform X.
This marks the third such attack on ADNOC vessels in under a week. While the UAE previously accused Iran of orchestrating earlier incidents, no official comment has been made regarding Friday's attack.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency separately reported receiving information about a bulk carrier being struck by an unknown projectile in the strait on Friday.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran, is a critical artery for global energy supplies, carrying roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Shipping in the region has faced repeated disruptions since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28, leading to higher freight rates and heightened security concerns.
ADNOC, one of the world's largest energy producers, exports crude oil, natural gas, and refined products globally.