ALBAWABA - The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned what it characterized as an Iranian missile attack on an oil tanker belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as it passed thru the Strait of Hormuz, confirming no injuries occurred.
The attack is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which guaranties freedom of navigation and prohibits attacks on commercial ships or the disruption of international maritime routes, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by the UAE state news agency (WAM).
The ministry accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of exploiting the Strait of Hormuz as an instrument of political and economic coercion and described the attack on commercial shipping as piracy threatening regional security, stability and world oil supply.
The UAE called on Iran to immediately cease such attacks and stop all hostile acts in their entirety and to open the Strait of Hormuz without preconditions, warning that continuing interruptions would jeopardize international trade and the world economy.
Qatar condemns assault
Qatar also condemned the reported missile hit, terming it a major violation of international law, freedom of navigation and UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it “rejects any attempt to use the Strait of Hormuz as a political bargaining chip” and called for the quick and unconditional reopening of the crucial waterway.
The freedom of navigation thru the Strait is a basic principle that cannot be compromised and its continuing closure would jeopardize the essential interests of Gulf countries as well as the world economy, the ministry said.
Qatar has also reiterated its entire solidarity with the UAE and its support for any steps taken by Abu Dhabi to protect its assets.
ADNOC had already verified that one of its ships was hit by a missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz in the early hours of Saturday.
No crew members were hurt and the situation was soon brought under control by authorities, the business added.
