The UAE Foreign Ministry blamed Iran for the attacks on the vessels, which are managed by Abu Dhabi\u2019s state-owned oil and gas company, ADNOC. The ministry described the strikes as an act of piracy by Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.<\/p>\n
No casualties were reported, but the attacks point to the dangers facing commercial vessels traveling through the critical waterway.<\/p>\n
\u201cTargeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion or blackmail represents acts of piracy by Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard Corps,\u201d the UAE Foreign Ministry said<\/a>, calling the attacks a \u201cflagrant violation\u201d of the U.N.\u2019s principles of freedom of navigation.<\/p>\n \u201cThe UAE further stressed the need for Iran to halt these unprovoked attacks, ensure its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in order to safeguard regional security, and maintain the stability of the global economy and trade,\u201d the ministry continued.<\/p>\n The strikes come as the United States and Iran remain locked in tense negotiations over the future of the Strait of Hormuz amid the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.<\/p>\n The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Iran has the largest coastline along the strait, giving Tehran a strategic position over one of the world\u2019s most important energy corridors.<\/p>\n Before the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran began, roughly 20% of the world\u2019s gas supply passed through the strait, though commercial traffic has fallen significantly since the conflict began.<\/p>\n