UAE Defense Ministry: two of its tankers hit by missiles in Strait of Hormuz, one crew member killed

The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates said on Monday, July 13, 2026 that two of its national tankers, the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. According to the statement, one crew member (an Indian national) was killed and several others were wounded, while both vessels were damaged and caught fire before the blazes were brought under control.

The UAE condemned the attack and said it reserves its full right to respond to the escalation. Iran had not commented on the attack by the time of publication.

The incident is part of the wider Strait of Hormuz crisis, a waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, where any disruption feeds directly into world oil prices and regional exports.