The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Iran’s actions as reprehensible in a statement reported by the Emirates News Agency on Tuesday. The ministry highlighted how the attacks on the UAE tankers threatened international maritime security and called for a unified international response to prevent further escalation. Officials stressed that such incidents undermine ongoing efforts to promote stability across the Gulf region.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the strikes targeted the nationally flagged tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah as they transited the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani waters on Monday. The assault by Iranian cruise missiles resulted in the death of one Indian crew member along with injuries to eight others, four of them serious. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the operation, asserting that the vessels had ignored warnings and attempted to navigate a restricted area.
The Gulf Cooperation Council denounced the attacks as an explicit violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, according to a statement from Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. Albudaiwi emphasised the importance of safeguarding commercial shipping and refraining from any actions that endanger vital maritime lanes. Bahrain and Qatar issued parallel condemnations, aligning with Kuwait’s position on the need to protect freedom of navigation.
US Energy Information Administration figures show that roughly one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption transits the Strait of Hormuz each day, making it one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Previous incidents in the waterway have triggered sharp increases in oil prices and heightened concerns over supply chain reliability. The latest strikes occurred against a backdrop of elevated tensions between Iran and the United States, including recent US announcements of a naval blockade in the area.
The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE has reserved the right to respond appropriately to the Iranian aggression while working to contain fires aboard both vessels. Emergency response teams brought the blazes under control without further casualties, according to updates from Abu Dhabi. Regional diplomats have urged all parties to exercise restraint to avoid broader conflict that could disrupt energy markets.
Kuwait’s statement reaffirmed that the security of the state, its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens and residents remain a red line that cannot be crossed, the foreign ministry said. This stance echoes similar declarations issued by other GCC members in response to the incident. The collective condemnations from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon further illustrate widespread Gulf opposition to the Iranian moves.
