Middle East Crisis: Iran strikes UAE tankers in Strait of Hormuz, Indian crew member killed

As per UAE's Ministry of Defence, six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals were injured in the attack.

Sharing details of the attack, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.

Elaborating about the attack, the Ministry said: "The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker and the injury of eight others, including four who sustained serious injuries."

The Ministry said the attack also caused material damage to both tankers as a result of the fires that broke out on board, which have since been brought under control.

In strong words, the Ministry said: it 'condemned this blatant attack', which is considered a serious violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens the security and stability of the region. 

" The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its national interests," the statement said.

Meanwhile, a video released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) showed American forces using multiple one-way attack surface drones to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran.

CENTCOM said the operation marked the first time US forces had used sea drones in combat.

Sharing details of the attack, CENTCOM wrote on X: “Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran.”

“Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations. Last night’s strikes degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial shipping,” the post said.

In a separate statement, CENTCOM said it completed its latest wave of strikes against Iran on July 13.

During the five-hour mission, US forces struck military targets across Iran, including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas, in an effort to further degrade Tehran's ability to attack commercial shipping, CENTCOM said.

According to the command, more than 50,000 US service members are currently deployed across the Middle East.

The United States and Iran have traded attacks in recent days, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.