Indian Crew Member Killed as Iranian Missiles Hit UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Abu Dhabi, July 2026 : Tensions in the Gulf escalated sharply after two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member and injuries to eight others, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence.

The incident occurred in Omani territorial waters, where the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were navigating through the southern shipping channel of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused significant damage to both vessels and triggered fires on board, which were later brought under control by emergency response teams.

Among the casualties, one Indian sailor aboard the Mombasa lost his life. Eight crew members sustained injuries, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. Officials said four of the injured were in critical condition and were receiving medical treatment. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially disclosed.

The UAE Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the missile strike, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a serious threat to regional peace and maritime security. The ministry asserted that the UAE reserves the right to respond appropriately to the attack and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens, residents, national interests and critical infrastructure.

Authorities also urged the public to rely solely on official channels for updates and avoid circulating rumours or unverified reports that could fuel panic.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs separately denounced the attack, describing it as an unacceptable escalation that jeopardises freedom of navigation in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a matter of international concern.

The missile strike comes amid rising military tensions across the Gulf region. Earlier this week, the UAE confirmed that its air defence systems had intercepted multiple missile and drone threats targeting the country. Bahrain also issued public safety advisories, asking residents to remain calm and move to designated safe locations as a precaution.

According to reports carried by Iran’s Press TV, Tehran claimed responsibility for launching strikes against several US-linked military installations in the Gulf. The reported targets included a Patriot air defence system, an ammunition depot and a US military radar facility in Kuwait.

The reports further claimed that Iran had also targeted a US military communications facility and radar installation in Bahrain, besides launching ballistic missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, one of Washington’s largest military facilities in the region.

The latest attack on commercial shipping has heightened concerns over the security of international maritime routes, with governments closely monitoring developments amid fears of a wider regional conflict that could disrupt global energy supplies and commercial trade.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)