The UAE’s energy giant, ADNOC, has reported that two of its vessels were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on the evening of August 13. Fortunately, the company confirmed that no crew members were injured, and the situation was quickly stabilized. Emphasizing the necessity of maritime security and the safety of its staff, ADNOC urged the public to rely exclusively on official updates rather than unverified reports. This latest strike marks the 17th vessel incident since regional tensions escalated, following a similar attack on an ADNOC ship just days earlier on August 8.

The escalation highlights the deepening geopolitical tug-of-war over the vital waterway, which has remained under Iranian control since February. Tehran has asserted its authority by requiring navigational fees, a move strongly opposed by the United States. While Donald Trump recently claimed via social media that the U.S. holds "total control" over the strait through a naval blockade, Iranian military officials have dismissed these remarks as fabrications. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s central military command, insisted that the strait remains fully under Iranian management, stating that no commercial vessels can pass through the area without the explicit permission and oversight of their armed forces.