Projectile Strike Hits Vessel East of Khasab as UAE Qatar Saudi Kuwait and GCC Attribute Missile Attack on ADNOC Tanker to Iran

STRAIT OF HORMUZ — UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 18 nautical miles (33 km) east of Khasab, Oman, on August 8. The impact caused a fire that was extinguished.

The vessel and crew were reported safe, with no environmental impact. Authorities are investigating. Vessels were advised to transit with caution and report suspicious activity.

The United Arab Emirates, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and state news agency reporting on ADNOC, stated that one of its vessels was targeted by a missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz early on August 8.

The UAE Foreign Ministry described the incident as a “hostile Iranian attack” and accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guards of acts of piracy. No injuries were reported and the situation was brought under control, according to ADNOC.

Neither the UAE nor ADNOC released the vessel’s name, flag, IMO number, cargo details or extent of damage. Neither UKMTO nor ADNOC has confirmed whether the two reports describe the same vessel.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement the same day condemning “the Iranian attack that targeted an Emirati ADNOC tanker with a missile while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

Qatar called the action a blatant violation of international law and freedom of maritime navigation, and a flagrant breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministry rejected use of the Strait as a tool of pressure and called for its unconditional reopening.

Locations Affected

• Approximately 18 nautical miles (33 km) east of Khasab, Oman (exact coordinates not released by UKMTO).

• Strait of Hormuz approaches, including prior reported positions approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab on August 3.

Official Statements

• UK Maritime Trade Operations, August 8, 2026: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 18NM east of Khasab, Oman. A verified source has reported that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile which caused a fire that has been extinguished. There is no reported environmental impact. The vessel and crew are reported as safe. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”

• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 8, 2026: “The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned and denounced the hostile Iranian attack involving a missile that targeted a carrier affiliated with ADNOC as it transited through the Strait of Hormuz, with no injuries reported.”

• Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 8, 2026: “The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack that targeted an Emirati ADNOC tanker with a missile while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar considered the attack a blatant violation of international law and the freedom of maritime navigation, and a flagrant breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Qatar’s categorical rejection of using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure. The Ministry calls for its unconditional reopening and affirmed that freedom of navigation in this vital waterway is a fundamental and non-negotiable principle. It emphasized that the continued closure of the Strait jeopardizes the vital interests of the region’s countries and the global economy. The Ministry stresses the need to halt Iran’s unjustified attacks on the assets of brotherly nations, while simultaneously affirming full solidarity with the sisterly United Arab Emirates and support for all measures it takes to protect its assets.”

• Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 8, 2026: “Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s targeting of the UAE tanker while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on ships are an assault on the security of global energy supplies. Saudi Arabia holds Iran responsible for the consequences of continuing the attacks, calls for Iran to immediately cease the violations to preserve security and stability in the region, and reaffirms support for the UAE in the measures it is taking to preserve its sovereignty.”

• GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, August 8, 2026: “His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest and harshest terms the dangerous Iranian attack targeting a tanker belonging to ADNOC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring that this assault represents a dangerous and unacceptable escalation, as well as a direct threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and international trade in one of the world’s most vital waterways.”