UAE says Iran targeted tanker as Tehran says Hormuz deal with Oman close

Dubai's United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported on Saturday that Iran had attacked a tanker belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE's foreign ministry condemned the "hostile Iranian attack," which utilized a missile but did not result in any casualties. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed a ship was hit by a projectile in the strait, leading to a fire that was quickly extinguished, though it remains unclear if this involved the same vessel.

Iran has been imposing a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, demanding charges for passage rights, a stance the United States adamantly opposes. Additionally, Iran is currently negotiating with Oman regarding the future management of the strait. The UAE expressed concern over these developments, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks with Oman were nearing their final stages.

However, he warned that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on other conditions and compensations for the violation of a 2020 memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. The Revolutionary Guards of Iran emphasized that the opening of the strait is independent of the negotiations between Iran and Oman. The Iranian military body also asserted that Iran holds the authority to set its conditions for the strait's opening, and that ongoing interference by the US in these talks is unacceptable.