ADNOC vessel attacked in Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran conflict
The United Arab Emirates' state-owned oil giant ADNOC confirmed that one of its vessels was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, August 14. This incident is the latest in the vital shipping route, which has seen commercial ships targeted since the war began in February. Tehran has imposed an effective blockade, seeking to charge for passage, a move opposed by Washington. ADNOC emphasized the importance of protecting seafarers and safeguarding freedom of navigation. Following the attack, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash stated that the Gulf state would defend its rights to freedom of navigation and pursue a balanced policy based on deterrence, diplomacy, and international law. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen a unified Gulf position for regional security. This announcement came after the UAE accused Iran of attacking two ADNOC-linked vessels the previous day, and last week, ADNOC reported three tanker attacks, with another reported by the Emirati foreign ministry. Continued attacks in the strait led to the collapse of an April ceasefire between the United States and Iran. A June deal had outlined discussions between Iran, Oman, and other Gulf countries regarding future arrangements for the strait. Last week, Iranian official Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr set conditions for fully reopening the strait, including an end to the war against Iran and its allies, lifting sanctions, and compensation for wartime damage.
