Iran attacks ADNOC vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded by Iran, which has repeatedly attacked commercial vessels. In the week of August 8-15, 2026, Iran launched multiple attacks on vessels operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), including missile and drone strikes. The UAE condemned these attacks as 'acts of piracy' by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait. Regional and international actors, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman, condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the UAE. Iran, through its Supreme National Security Council and officials like Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, issued new demands for reopening the strait, including compensation for war damage, lifting of sanctions, and release of frozen assets. Negotiations between Iran and Oman on navigation arrangements continued, but Iran insisted that reopening the strait is contingent on other conditions. ADNOC reported that 15 of its vessels have been attacked since the conflict began, with one crew member killed and 20 injured. The attacks have disrupted shipping, raised freight rates, and heightened concerns over global energy security.