UAE Condemns Iran’s ‘Brazen’ Attack on Tankers as US Launches Fresh Strikes

UAE condemns Iran s brazen attack – The United Arab Emirates has strongly criticized Iran following a significant maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, Iranian forces targeted two national tankers in the critical waterway, resulting in one fatality and eight injuries. This escalation coincided with President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States would implement a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the strategic channel as part of a renewed blockade.

The American president characterized the ongoing military operations as intense, stating that the US was “hitting them very hard” during the third consecutive night of strikes. These attacks represent a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both nations exchanging blows across the region. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded to the blockade announcement by declaring that Tehran would continue serving as the Strait’s “GUARDIAN” — notably adopting terminology previously used by Trump himself.

The Tanker Incident

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iranian cruise missiles struck the two vessels, causing substantial damage. The casualties included one Indian crew member who lost his life, while eight others sustained injuries. Of those wounded, four suffered serious conditions. The ministry provided detailed information about the victims, noting that six were Indian nationals and two were Ukrainian citizens.

The UAE’s official statement expressed strong condemnation: “The Ministry of Defense condemns this brazen attack, which constitutes a serious violation and a clear breach of international law, threatening the security and stability of the region.”

Later that day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement through Telegram confirming its involvement. The military organization claimed that the two tankers had disregarded prior warnings, switched off their navigation systems, and attempted to navigate through a mined section of the waterway. The IRGC stated that it subsequently disabled both vessels and warned that continued “co-operation with the aggressor enemy” would result in regret, damage, and delays in reopening the Strait. The military also cautioned that such cooperation could contribute to “the creation of an energy crisis in the world.”

Trump’s Blockade Announcement

Earlier on Monday, President Trump shared his plans through a Truth Social post, announcing the reinstatement of a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. He specified that a 20% charge would apply to all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Trump, this measure would prevent “Iran’s ships or customers” from accessing the vital oil route, while ensuring that “all other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.”

“The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World,” he wrote.

The blockade officially commenced at 16:00 Eastern Time (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday. When speaking with reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized that American forces were systematically eliminating Iran’s offensive capabilities while maintaining control over the waterway. He also expressed optimism regarding diplomatic efforts, stating: “Yeah, I think a deal is possible, sure, I do.”

Military Operations and Congressional Notification

US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that strikes began at 16:45 Eastern Time (20:45 GMT) on Monday, executed “at the Commander in Chief’s direction.” Over several hours, American forces attacked multiple military installations across Iran, including facilities in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar Abbas. Centcom stated these operations aimed to “further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping.”

In retaliation, Iranian state media reported that Iran’s army had targeted American military assets stationed in Kuwait. Meanwhile, Trump told Fox News that the United States would “probably run” the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Iran had violated a previous agreement with Washington. “We are taking over the strait,” he declared.

Centcom further announced that its forces “will resume blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports” on July 14. The command added that “The US military continues to support traffic flow through regional waters for all vessels not violating the blockade.”

On the previous Friday, Trump formally notified Congress through a letter reviewed by the BBC that military operations in Iran had resumed on July 7. Under federal legislation, congressional authorization is required to sustain military actions beyond 60 days. The White House retains the authority to extend this deadline by an additional 30 days when national security concerns warrant such action.

Responding to Trump’s Strait of Hormuz announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in a post on X: “POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial”