UAE Vows to Defend Hormuz Navigation After ADNOC Vessel Attack

An ADNOC vessel came under attack on August 14 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

No injuries were reported and the situation was brought under control. This was the third incident involving ADNOC vessels in less than a week, with the UAE having previously accused Iran of being behind earlier attacks. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, stated that Abu Dhabi would defend its sovereignty and interests, vowing to safeguard rights to freedom of navigation while prioritizing diplomatic options.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the attack as a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which affirms freedom of navigation. The ministry also condemned attacks on commercial vessels and the obstruction of international maritime routes. The UAE called for Iran to halt unprovoked attacks and reopen the strait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported receiving a separate report of a bulk carrier being struck by an unknown projectile in the strait on Friday.

Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, which has since repeatedly disrupted shipping, raising freight rates and security concerns. ADNOC is a major global energy producer.