Fujairah Port Shuttered After IRGC Missile Strikes on UAE Oil Tankers Despite US Escort Protection

The Port of Fujairah, the United Arab Emirates’ key oil export terminal and the region’s largest bunkering and tanker hub, has been forced to close following missile attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on two large UAE-flagged oil tankers.

The strikes, which occurred in the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters on Monday, targeted the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iranian cruise missiles hit both vessels, resulting in one fatality, an Indian crew member, and injuries to eight others, including four in serious condition. Six of the injured were Indian nationals and two were Ukrainian.

Fires broke out on board the tankers but were later brought under control. The IRGC claimed responsibility, stating the vessels had ignored warnings, deactivated their navigation systems, and attempted to navigate a restricted route.

The attacks took place despite reported US military escorts in the area, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in maritime security amid escalating tensions in the Gulf. The UAE strongly condemned the incident as a “brazen” violation of international law that threatens regional stability and reserved the right to respond.

In response to the heightened security risks, operations at Fujairah port, including oil loading and related activities, have been suspended. Fujairah serves as a critical outlet for UAE crude exports outside the Strait of Hormuz, handling significant volumes of Murban crude and acting as a major refueling hub for international shipping.

The closure adds to broader disruptions in Gulf energy flows, with oil prices edging higher in early trading on concerns over supply security. This incident marks the latest in a series of maritime confrontations involving Iranian forces and vessels linked to Gulf states.

Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for reopening the port, as investigations and damage assessments continue. International shipping firms are monitoring the situation closely, with calls for enhanced protection for commercial vessels in the region.