Indian Sailor Dies in Iranian Attack on UAE Shipping Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Dubai: An Indian crew member was killed and six other Indians were among eight people injured after two UAE shipping tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on Tuesday, marking a major escalation in the West Asia conflict.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said its national tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted while sailing through the southern shipping lane within Omani territorial waters. Four of the injured, including Indian nationals, are reported to be in serious condition.

Condemning the strike as a “blatant attack” and a violation of international law, the UAE said it reserves the right to respond and remains on the highest level of readiness against further threats. The attack came after the US launched strikes on Iran and announced the reinstatement of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack also caused fires and material damage to both vessels, though the blazes were later brought under control.

With the latest casualty, the death toll of Indian nationals in the ongoing West Asia conflict has risen to 11.