The United Arab Emirates’ state-owned oil company, ADNOC, has confirmed that one of its vessels was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over the safety of one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
According to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, the incident happened on Friday, August 14, as the vessel was transiting the strategic waterway. ADNOC said there were no reported injuries from the attack.
The latest incident adds to a growing series of attacks involving commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict between the United States and Iran intensified.
The waterway is a critical route for international oil and gas supplies. A large share of crude oil and petroleum products moving from the Gulf to international markets passes through the narrow strait. Any prolonged disruption could therefore affect shipping costs, oil prices and energy supplies in countries around the world.
ADNOC said the safety of seafarers and the protection of maritime navigation remain important priorities. The company also stressed the need to maintain freedom of movement through international waters.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the country would continue to defend its right to freedom of navigation. He added that repeated attacks on ADNOC vessels would not change the UAE’s approach to the crisis.
The UAE has also called for stronger cooperation among Gulf countries as tensions continue to threaten regional security and international trade.
The latest attack came only a day after the UAE accused Iran of attacking two vessels connected to ADNOC while they were travelling through the strait. The UAE Foreign Ministry described the incidents as hostile attacks but confirmed that no injuries were recorded.
ADNOC had already reported attacks involving three of its tankers the previous week. Another vessel linked to the company was reportedly attacked shortly afterward.
The repeated incidents have increased fears that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could face prolonged restrictions.
Iran has effectively restricted movement through the waterway and has indicated that it wants users to pay for passage. The United States has strongly rejected such demands.
Efforts to establish a longer-term arrangement for the strait have also faced difficulties. Previous discussions involving Iran, Oman and other Gulf countries were expected to focus on keeping the waterway open in accordance with international law.
Iranian officials have since demanded several conditions before the strait can fully reopen, including an end to the conflict, removal of sanctions and compensation for wartime damage.
For global energy markets, the situation remains a major concern. Continued attacks or restrictions could increase transportation costs and place additional pressure on crude oil prices, particularly if major oil exporters struggle to move supplies safely.
With tensions still high, governments, energy companies and shipping operators are closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest ADNOC incident shows that the security of the waterway remains a major issue for the global economy, with any sustained disruption capable of affecting energy markets far beyond the Middle East.
