IRGC says it attacked two Emirati oil tankers that killed Indian national, claims it was engaged in ‘illegal activities’

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday (local time) announced that its forces targeted two oil tankers passing the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the ships were engaged in "illegal activities."

The IRGC claimed that they immobilised the tankers, alleging the vessels were involved in "illegal activities," had switched off their tracking systems, and ignored repeated warnings from Iranian forces. ANI reported. The announcement came shortly after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accused Tehran of attacking two of its tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, and killing one Indian national and injuring eight others.

IRGC's remarks on targeting UAE tankers

In a statement, the IRGC said, "A few hours ago, the child-killing U.S. military, which has not learned from its repeated failures, attempted to guide several vessels through an illegal route. Two oil tankers involved in illegal activities, which were deceived by the United States, turned off their navigation systems, ignored repeated warnings from the Strait of Hormuz security control centre, and endangered navigation by passing through a minefield. These vessels were targeted and disabled."

The IRGC also issued a stern warning to commercial vessels cooperating with the US and said, "The IRGC Navy announces to everyone that cooperation with the aggressor enemy, which has come from thousands of kilometres away to violate the rights of the people of the region, will only result in regret, damage and delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as well as creating an energy crisis in the world. There is no benefit to passing through the minefield."

Previously, a spokesperson for Tehran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that the Islamic Republic would block any American attempts to oversee the arterial waterway. The spokesperson added, "The United States' interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz has seriously jeopardised regional security and international trade. The United States shall never be allowed to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Leaders of regional nations are warned that any cooperation with the United States constitutes an act of war against Iran."

UAE condemns attack on Emirati tankers, vows retaliation

The development came hours after the UAE's Defence Ministry condemned the attack on two of its vessels. In a post on X, the country's defence ministry wrote, "The Ministry of Defence condemned this blatant attack, which is considered a serious violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens the security and stability of the region. The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its national interests."

The missile strike inflicted extensive damage on both vessels and sparked fires that were later brought under control by emergency response teams. Emirati authorities also confirmed that one Indian sailor aboard the Mombasa was killed in the attack, while eight others sustained injuries, including four who remain in critical condition.

US-Iran tensions escalate

The attacks on UAE's vessels come as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate once again, with the two sides engaged in trading strikes, citing violations of the interim ceasefire deal signed last month. Last week, US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire was "over" after Tehran attacked commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, following which Iran retaliated and attacked several other vessels in the next few days. On Monday (local time), Washington's military launched strikes again. The US President told reporters in the Oval Office, "We're hitting them very hard. And it'll continue, and we'll see what happens," and added, "We're knocking out all of their offensive capability, and we're controlling the straits. We're putting the blockade back."

Apart from the UAE, Bahrain and other US allies in the region are also facing the brunt of Washington's renewed attacks in Tehran.