The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of striking a tanker owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with a missile as it transited the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the incident on Saturday, stating the vessel was hit in the early hours of the morning.

This accusation escalates tensions in a region already experiencing heightened maritime activity and threats. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway, with a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil passing through it daily. Any disruption or threat to shipping in this area has immediate implications for global energy security and prices.

ADNOC confirmed that one of its ships was targeted by a missile while crossing the strait, according to the state news agency WAM. While the company did not provide specific details on the damage or the vessel's exact location, the UAE ministry described the strike as an act of piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Abu Dhabi called for Tehran to cease such attacks and to reopen the strait fully and unconditionally.

The UAE ministry emphasized that using the waterway as a tool for pressure or economic blackmail jeopardizes regional stability and global energy security. The IRGC has previously threatened action against vessels perceived as linked to Iran's adversaries or failing to comply with its directives.

ADNOC had previously reported significant impacts from what it termed unprovoked attacks on its personnel and assets, despite continuing to serve its customers. The company stated that 15 of its vessels had been targeted by missiles and drones since the start of the conflict, including three in the week prior to the latest incident, which resulted in one crew member's death and 20 injuries. ADNOC had not identified the perpetrators of these earlier attacks.

The incident has drawn swift condemnation from regional governments. The Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed al-Budaiwi denounced the strike as a "dangerous and unacceptable escalation" and urged international action to safeguard maritime navigation, reaffirming the bloc's solidarity with the UAE.

Qatar also condemned the attack, rejecting the use of the Strait of Hormuz for leverage and demanding its unconditional reopening. Doha's foreign ministry warned that the continued closure threatened the interests of regional states and the global economy.

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the targeting of the tanker, labeling Iran's ongoing attacks a "grave breach of international law and Resolution 2817." Riyadh holds Tehran responsible for the repercussions of such actions.