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The recent attacks on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have drawn condemnation from the United Arab Emirates, which described the incidents as hostile actions by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
UAE’s response and the vessels involved
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying the attacks “targeted two vessels affiliated with ADNOC as they transited the Strait of Hormuz, with no injuries reported.” It labeled the assaults as acts of piracy and called on Iran to stop such actions.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the two tankers were struck by unmanned aerial vehicles on 13 August at 15:52 UTC while heading outbound. The report, based on military sources, confirmed that both ships continued under their own power after sustaining only minor damage.
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Maritime security firm Vanguard Tach identified the vessels as the Singapore‑flagged product tanker Navig8 Messi, owned by Navig8 and majority‑controlled by ADNOC L&S, and the Liberian‑flagged Aframax Tarif, also owned by ADNOC L&S. Both ships had their AIS transponders disabled at the time of the strikes.
All crew members were accounted for, and no environmental impact was reported. The UAE emphasized the need for Iran to “ensure its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz” to protect regional security and global trade.
Pattern of attacks on ADNOC vessels
The incidents raise the total number of ADNOC‑linked ships hit by drones or missiles since the U.S.–Iran conflict began to 17. Earlier in August, three separate attacks resulted in one seafarer killed and 20 injured, highlighting the ongoing risk to commercial shipping in the narrow waterway.
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Experts note that the disabling of AIS transponders suggests an effort to evade detection, a tactic seen in other recent maritime confrontations. The lack of injuries and limited damage this time may reflect either a warning approach or a partial success of the drones.
International implications
In the meantime, the two tankers—Navig8 Messi and Tarif—have resumed their voyages, illustrating the resilience of commercial fleets despite the ongoing danger. Their continued operation also demonstrates the importance of maintaining uninterrupted flow through the Strait, a priority for both regional economies and worldwide trade.
Shipping will continue despite threats.
