Gulf countries: Gulf countries on Tuesday condemned Iranian attacks on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the incident threatens regional stability, freedom of navigation, and global energy security.
According to Anadolu Agency, the statements came after the United Arab Emirates reported that its oil tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by two cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. The UAE Foreign Ministry confirmed that one Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured, including four seriously. The injured comprised six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
The UAE Foreign Ministry described the attack as a "flagrant violation" of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which emphasizes the protection of freedom of navigation and commercial shipping. It stated that targeting commercial vessels and exploiting the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of political or economic pressure amounted to piracy and posed a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security. The UAE called on Iran to halt its "aggressive attacks," cease hostilities, and ensure the reopening of the strait unconditionally to maintain regional security and the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, labeling it a "terrorist" act, a dangerous escalation, and a serious violation of international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministry reaffirmed Bahrain's solidarity with the UAE and support for measures to safeguard its security and sovereignty. It urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take a firm stance to prevent further attacks and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Similarly, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, highlighting the direct threat it posed to maritime security and global energy supplies. It expressed support for the UAE and called for an immediate end to all escalatory actions, urging compliance with international law governing navigation through international straits.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also denounced the attack. Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi termed it a blatant violation of international law, maritime navigation rules, and Security Council Resolution 2817. Albudaiwi stated that the GCC stood firmly with the UAE and supported all measures taken to protect its security, sovereignty, and vital interests. He appealed to the international community, particularly the Security Council, to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by taking decisive action to halt repeated Iranian attacks, hold those responsible accountable, and safeguard international navigation.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz following the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026. Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June that included a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Pakistan as a step toward a final agreement to end the war. However, US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that the ceasefire "is over" following renewed hostilities.