According to the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, the Emirati oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.
The missile strike killed one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker and injured eight others, including four who sustained serious injuries. The injured comprised six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. The attack also triggered fires aboard both tankers, causing significant damage before the flames were eventually brought under control.
Hours after the attack, Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary heading the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran Division, conveyed India's strong protest over the attack. The diplomatic summoning was conducted in full public view, with television news crews covering the arrival of the Iranian diplomat, unlike similar diplomatic engagements in recent months. Anger has intensified in India over repeated Iranian attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members.
Tuesday's strike came only two days after an Iranian attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy, which left one Indian crew member missing.
Since the conflict between Iran and Israel and the United States escalated following the attacks launched on February 28, a total of 14 Indian nationals have lost their lives in West Asia.
The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned what it described as a blatant attack, calling it a serious violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens regional security and stability.
The ministry stated that the United Arab Emirates reserves its full right to respond to the escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security and stability while protecting its national interests.
It further stated that the country remains at the highest level of readiness and preparedness to confront any threats and will take all necessary measures to respond decisively to any attempt to undermine the security and stability of the nation.
On Sunday, India had already condemned the attack on the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy and reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of negotiations aimed at achieving a diplomatic solution that restores peace and stability across the region.
Ten other Indian seafarers aboard the GFS Galaxy were successfully rescued after the vessel was targeted by Iranian forces off the coast of Oman.
In its statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region as deeply worrying. It reiterated India's demand for an immediate reduction in hostilities and the successful conclusion of ongoing diplomatic negotiations to restore peace and stability in West Asia.
India has also expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in West Asia after United States President Donald Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding signed last month for a ceasefire with Iran was "over" following Iranian attacks on merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest attack comes as India continues to face the consequences of disruptions to vital oil, natural gas and fertiliser supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. As regional tensions continue to rise and threaten the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, New Delhi has reinforced its call for dialogue, diplomacy and a peaceful resolution to safeguard regional stability and international maritime security.
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