The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday accused Iran of orchestrating attacks on two vessels linked to its state-owned oil company, intensifying existing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery of global trade. Iran has implemented a comprehensive blockade of the waterway, frequently targeting commercial ships, and aims to charge users for passage, a measure vehemently opposed by the United States.
Iran has imposed an effective blockade of the strait, frequently attacking commercial ships, and wants to charge users for passage, which the U.S. fiercely opposes. The UAE foreign ministry denounced what it called “the hostile Iranian attack” targeting two vessels affiliated with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) “with no injuries reported.”
ADNOC confirmed “two of its vessels were attacked while transiting” the waterway on Thursday evening, adding that the situation was “brought under control,” according to the official WAM news agency. It was not clear whether they were referring to the ADNOC-affiliated ships.
UKMTO reported two identical incidents of drone strikes on tankers in Hormuz a day earlier, causing minor damage but no casualties. It was not clear whether they were referring to the ADNOC-affiliated ships.
The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) called a spate of news reports about dire conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier “false,” describing the ship as being in the Middle East region. Lawmakers and family members have raised concerns about supply shortages, inadequate food, broken plumbing, and mental health issues, with a sailor going overboard and being recovered in August.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said service members “remain resilient and resolved after more than 260 days at sea, 10,000 aircraft flights, and 1.5 million pounds of ordnance expended.” The ship has been deployed for almost nine months, and is currently in the Middle East region. President Trump’s envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is planning to travel to Jerusalem and Cairo next week, according to an official with the Board of Peace, the Trump-backed body pushing for a resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict. They are expected to discuss how to advance Mr. Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which calls for the militant group Hamas to disarm and give up any role in governing Gaza while Israeli forces withdraw from the enclave.
As oil shipments remain largely blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices are currently above pre-war levels but below their heights during the war’s early weeks. The Trump administration has pressed Iran to allow ships to pass through the strait, but Iran has said it plans to hold onto some control of the vital waterway.
Late last month, Netanyahu said Israel “rejects the 15-point document,” saying the military “will not make any withdrawal until Hamas is truly disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens.” During their visit to the region, the three Board of Peace representatives plan to hear the concerns that have been raised, and talk about next steps, the Board of Peace official said.
As oil shipments remain largely blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices are currently above pre-war levels but below their heights during the war’s early weeks. The Trump administration has pressed Iran to allow ships to pass through the strait, but Iran has said it plans to hold onto some control of the vital waterway.
In Cairo, there are meetings planned with Egyptian officials and other mediators. The official says they will continue the “constructive” conversations they’ve been having on how to advance Mr. Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which calls for the militant group Hamas to disarm and give up any role in governing Gaza while Israeli forces withdraw from the enclave.
Asked about the Iran war, Vice President JD Vance told Fox News’ Will Cain that “goal number one” for the Trump administration is to “keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all over our country,” followed by ensuring “Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.” I feel confident we’re accomplishing both of those goals, but it’s inherently an unpredictable thing because the Iranians themselves are unpredictable, and they sometimes don’t honor the commitments they’ve made to us.” Vance said.
As oil shipments remain largely blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices are currently above pre-war levels but below their heights during the war’s early weeks. The Trump administration has pressed Iran to allow ships to pass through the strait, but Iran has said it plans to hold onto some control of the vital waterway.
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Source: CBS News
