Two oil tankers from the United Arab Emirates were struck by Iranian drones on Thursday while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, according to UAE authorities. The UAE Foreign Ministry attributed the attacks to Iran, describing them as acts of piracy by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. No casualties were reported, but the incidents highlight the risks faced by commercial vessels in this critical waterway.
The UAE Foreign Ministry stated, "Targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion or blackmail represents acts of piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps," and called the attacks a "flagrant violation" of the U.N.'s principles of freedom of navigation. The ministry urged Iran to cease these attacks and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to maintain regional security and global trade stability.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, and Iran's coastline along the strait gives it a strategic advantage over this vital energy corridor. Prior to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, approximately 20% of the world's gas supply passed through the strait, although commercial traffic has decreased significantly since hostilities began.
In related remarks, President Donald Trump suggested that he may declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory after the conflict with Iran concludes. He stated, "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States." Trump has defended the military campaign against Iran, asserting that the strategic goals justify the economic impacts, including rising energy prices.