UAE and Qatar condemn Iranian strike on Adnoc oil tanker

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have jointly condemned a recent Iranian missile strike on an oil tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) as it passed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The attack occurred on Saturday, marking the 16th such incident targeting Adnoc vessels since hostilities began on February 28. According to official statements, the strike took place in the early hours of Saturday, with no casualties reported. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “flagrant violation” of a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and commercial shipping. It reiterated demands that Iran halt all such actions and fully reopen the vital waterway. The incident unfolded amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately a fifth of global oil and gas transit, remaining largely closed due to Iranian efforts to mine and militarize the area following U.S. and Israeli strikes. The UAE’s condemnation came swiftly after the attack, with officials emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore normalcy to the critical chokepoint. Adnoc confirmed the attack, stating that the vessel was under control and providing no further details regarding the tanker, its cargo, or potential damage. The company noted the attack was the 16th on its ships since the conflict began, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Iranian forces. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry echoed the UAE’s stance, expressing solidarity with Abu Dhabi while condemning the use of the strait as a tool of political pressure. Doha reiterated calls for the unconditional reopening of the waterway and urged an end to “unjustified Iranian attacks.” This alignment reflects broader regional concerns over the disruption of energy supplies and the destabilizing impact of continued Iranian provocations. Both nations have consistently supported diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions, though their positions remain firm against acts of aggression. Iranian officials have maintained that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz hinges on unresolved disputes with the United States. A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that any restoration of access to the waterway would depend on Washington accepting Tehran’s conditions, a position separate from ongoing Oman-brokered negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed the U.S. had breached the “Strait of Hormuz clause” in the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, prompting Tehran’s retaliatory measures. He asserted that Iran had “responded to them in turn,” framing the attack as a necessary countermeasure. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that discussions with Oman on establishing a legal framework for the strait were progressing, though the issue remained tied to U.S. compliance with prior agreements. He emphasized that the previous Traffic Separation Scheme was no longer viable and that military-to-military talks were underway to establish an interim arrangement. Despite these developments, the Iranian government has not yet signaled a willingness to abandon its current approach, leaving the future of the strait uncertain. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a lifeline for global energy markets. With both the UAE and Qatar reaffirming their commitment to stability and security in the region, the international community will likely monitor the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts closely. For now, the waters remain tense, with the fate of the strait hanging in the balance.