Iran defends strike on UAE tankers that killed Indian sailor, alleges ‘illegal activities’

Iran on Tuesday claimed responsibility for striking two UAE oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the vessels were involved in "illegal activities", had switched off their navigation systems and ignored repeated warnings from Iranian authorities before entering a restricted area.

The claim by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) came hours after the UAE accused Tehran of carrying out missile attacks on two of its national tankers while they were transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.

According to the UAE, one Indian crew member was killed in the attack, while eight others were injured.

The incident marks a further escalation in tensions around one of the world's busiest energy routes, where military activity has increased sharply in recent months.

Iran says tankers ignored warnings

In a statement, the IRGC said the United States had attempted to guide several vessels through an "illegal route" in the Strait of Hormuz.

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It alleged that the two tankers, which it accused of being involved in illegal activities, had switched off their navigation systems, ignored repeated warnings from the Strait of Hormuz security control centre and endangered maritime navigation by passing through a minefield.

"A few hours ago, the child-killing US military, which has not learned from its repeated failures, attempted to guide several vessels through an illegal route. Two oil tankers involved in illegal activities, which were deceived by the United States, turned off their navigation systems, ignored repeated warnings from the Strait of Hormuz security control centre, and endangered navigation by passing through a minefield. These vessels were targeted and disabled," the IRGC said.

The force also warned regional countries against cooperating with the United States in the Gulf.

It said such cooperation would only lead to "regret, damage and delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz", while also creating an energy crisis. The IRGC added that there was "no benefit to passing through the minefield."

UAE condemns attack, vows response

Earlier, the UAE Defence Ministry said Iran launched cruise missiles at the national oil tanker Mombasa and LNG tanker Al Bahiyah as they sailed through the southern shipping lane in Omani waters.

The ministry said one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa was killed, while eight others were injured, including four who suffered serious injuries. The strikes also caused fires and material damage to both vessels, though authorities said the blazes were later brought under control.

Condemning the attack, the ministry described it as "a grave violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens regional security and stability."

It added that the UAE reserved its full right to respond to the escalation and would take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents.

Warning over US role in Strait of Hormuz

The latest developments came after Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that Tehran would not allow the United States to play any role in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.

A spokesperson for the headquarters said US interference in the strategic waterway had "seriously jeopardised regional security and international trade" and warned regional countries that any cooperation with Washington would be considered "an Act of War against Iran."

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime rouet, through which roughly 20 per cent of the world's oil passes.

The latest exchange of accusations has raised fresh concerns over the security of commercial shipping and its impact on global energy markets as tensions in the region continue to rise.