UAE tanker hit by drones, South Korean ship damaged near Strait of Hormuz

Two commercial ships have been damaged in separate incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, including a UAE crude oil tanker hit by Iranian drones and a South Korean-operated cargo ship that caught fire after an explosion, officials said. No injuries were reported on either vessel.

The UAE tanker Barakah was targeted by two Iranian drones off the coast of Oman while passing through the area, according to ADNOC Logistics & Services, the shipping arm of the UAE’s state-owned oil company. The company said the tanker was not carrying cargo at the time and that none of its crew members were injured.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strike, describing it as an Iranian attack on a national tanker. The ministry called on Iran to halt what it described as hostile actions and reopen the strait fully and without conditions.

A second incident was also reported Monday involving the HMM Namu, a Panama-flagged cargo ship operated by a South Korean shipping company, according to the Korea Herald, citing South Korean government officials. The ship caught fire after an explosion while anchored near the United Arab Emirates.

The cargo ship had 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals. All of them were confirmed safe, the Korea Herald reported. Authorities are investigating whether the damage was caused by an attack or a drifting sea mine.

In a social media post on Monday afternoon, President Trump said Iran had taken “some shots at unrelated Nations” during Project Freedom, the U.S. operation to escort ships through the area.

“Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission,” Trump said. He also said U.S. forces had shot down seven Iranian boats, describing them as small “fast” boats.