A reported Iranian missile strike on two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz has heightened tensions across the Middle East, with UAE authorities confirming the death of one Indian crew member and injuries to eight others.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, two cruise missiles struck the oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah while they were travelling through the southern shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani waters. The impact reportedly triggered fires aboard both vessels, damaging part of their cargo before emergency response teams brought the flames under control.

Indian Crew Member Killed, Eight Others Injured

Officials confirmed that the person killed was an Indian crew member serving aboard the Mombasa tanker.

Among the eight injured, six are Indian nationals and two are Ukrainian citizens. Authorities said four of the injured remain in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment.

The UAE government has not released the identities of the victims.

UAE Condemns Attack and Vows Response

The UAE strongly condemned the reported missile strike, calling it a serious violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security, freedom of navigation and maritime safety.

The Ministry of Defence said the country reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, citizens, strategic infrastructure and national interests.

Authorities also urged residents and the public to rely only on official government statements and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information during the ongoing security situation.

Rising Gulf Tensions Continue to Escalate

The reported attack comes amid increasing military tensions across the Gulf.

Earlier, the UAE said its air defence systems had responded to missile and drone threats, while Bahrain advised residents to seek shelter following regional security alerts.

Iranian state-linked media also reported that Tehran had launched attacks targeting military facilities associated with the United States in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. These developments follow recent US military operations against Iranian targets, further escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical for Global Energy

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

A significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway every day. Any military incident in the area raises concerns about global energy supplies, international shipping routes, insurance costs and oil prices.

Governments and energy markets are closely monitoring the situation as fears grow that continued military exchanges could disrupt international trade and destabilise the wider Middle East.

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