Adnoc-affiliated tanker is hit in Strait of Hormuz
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · May 4
Adnoc-affiliated tanker is hit in Strait of Hormuz
9 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · May 4
The UAE said no one was injured and accused Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps of attacking the vessel in the strategic waterway.
Its foreign ministry called the incident piracy and a violation of UN Security Council resolution 2817 on freedom of navigation and protection of commercial shipping.
Abu Dhabi urged Iran to halt hostilities immediately and fully reopen the Strait, warning the attack threatens regional stability and global energy security.
As US warships challenge Iran's blockade, will 'Project Freedom' secure global oil or ignite a catastrophic war?
After 1,900 attacks, is the UAE's reputation as a stable business hub collapsing under Iranian pressure?
With 20,000 seafarers trapped, how long can the world withstand the human and economic cost of the Hormuz crisis?
The May 2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Drone Attack, US-Iran Conflict, and Global Energy Shock
Overview
In early 2026, a major US-Israeli strike against Iran triggered a fierce Iranian retaliation, including missile attacks on Israel, US bases, and Gulf states, alongside a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade escalated tensions, culminating in a May drone attack on an ADNOC tanker, which the UAE condemned as Iranian piracy. In response, the US launched Project Freedom to secure shipping lanes, enforcing a dual blockade that Iran fiercely opposed. The conflict caused regional instability, displaced thousands, and sent global oil prices soaring. ADNOC adapted by using alternative routes and storage, while diplomatic efforts emerged amid ongoing risks, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation.