Ambrey: It was assessed that this was a projectile interception during the attack on the UAE

A maritime security firm, Ambrey, reported that an UAE-managed tanker was intercepted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in recent hostilities, adding to escalating tensions in the Gulf. This incident follows multiple attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane for oil exports. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile 17 nautical miles northwest of the UAE’s Mina Saqr, while a Japan-flagged container ship and a Thai-flagged vessel also sustained damage in separate incidents. Maritime authorities have urged caution, as traffic through the strait has declined sharply since the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensified in late February, contributing to a surge in global oil prices.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil typically flows, has seen 13 suspected Iranian attacks on ships since the war began. Oil prices have spiked to nearly $87 a barrel, up 20% from pre-conflict levels, as supply disruptions persist. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence disclosed that its air defenses intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 113 UAVs in recent operations, with four civilians injured and four foreign nationals killed in drone and missile strikes.

The International Energy Agency has convened G7 nations to discuss stabilizing oil markets, including potential releases of strategic reserves. US President Donald Trump reiterated warnings that mining the strait would trigger “unprecedented” military consequences, though his administration clarified earlier inaccuracies about US naval escorts for tankers. As regional hostilities continue, the financial and logistical risks to global energy markets remain pronounced.