Iran drones strike ADNOC tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Updated
Updated · OilPrice.com · May 7
Iran drones strike ADNOC tanker in Strait of Hormuz
11 articles · Updated · OilPrice.com · May 7
The UAE said two drones hit the empty Barakah on Monday while it was transiting the strait, causing no injuries.
The incident came as ADNOC and Asian buyers moved at least 6 million barrels out in April on four tankers using switched-off transponders and ship-to-ship transfers.
Iran's blockade, imposed after US-Israeli strikes that killed Ali Khamenei, has cut ADNOC exports by more than 1 million bpd and helped push crude above $100.
With oil stocks crashing, are the UAE's stealth tanker runs a lifeline or a trigger for a wider war?
As 20,000 seafarers remain stranded, what is the true human cost of the world's escalating energy crisis?
How will the US military's 'Project Freedom' change the high-stakes game of chicken in the Strait of Hormuz?
The May 2026 M.V. Barakah Drone Attack and Its Impact on Strait of Hormuz Security and Global Energy Markets
Overview
On May 4, 2026, Iranian drones attacked the UAE-owned M.V. Barakah tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the UAE and regional allies to condemn the strike as maritime piracy. This attack was part of Iran's broader strategy following the US-Israel Operation Epic Fury, which killed key Iranian leaders and triggered Iran's retaliation, including a near-total blockade of the strait. The blockade disrupted 20% of global oil shipments, causing oil prices to surge and supply chains to falter. In response, the US launched Project Freedom to escort vessels, though it faced challenges from Iranian attacks and limited regional support. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled amid ongoing tensions, with the strait's security critical to global energy stability.