UAE vows to defend freedom of navigation after vessel attack

The United Arab Emirates will defend its sovereignty and right to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following another attack on a vessel belonging to state-owned oil company ADNOC, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said.

Gargash made the comments in a post on X, stressing that the UAE would maintain what he described as a measured approach centred on deterrence, diplomacy and international law, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Repeated attacks on ADNOC tankers will not cause the United Arab Emirates to deviate from its measured and rational course, based on the triad of deterrence, diplomacy and compliance with international law,” Gargash wrote.

الاستهداف المتكرر لناقلات شركة أدنوك لن يثني دولة الإمارات عن المضي قدماً في سياسة متزنة وعاقلة، تقوم على ثلاثية الردع والدبلوماسية والالتزام بالقانون الدولي.

سنصون حقوقنا في حرية الملاحة واستخدام مضيق هرمز وفقاً للقانون الدولي، وسندافع عن سيادتنا ومصالحنا، مع مواصلة مسار…

— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) August 15, 2026

He said the UAE would continue to defend its right to navigate and use the Strait of Hormuz while pursuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.

“We will defend our rights to freedom of navigation and the use of the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, and we will uphold our sovereignty and interests whilst continuing to pursue the path of dialogue and prioritising diplomatic solutions,” he wrote.

Gargash also called for greater coordination among Gulf states, saying a unified regional position was essential to protecting security and national interests.

“We will make every effort to strengthen the unified position of the Gulf states, as it is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding the region’s security and the interests of its member states amid this ongoing crisis,” he wrote.

ADNOC confirmed that one of its vessels had been attacked, saying no one on board was injured and that the situation was under control.

The incident marks the third attack involving an ADNOC vessel in less than a week. The UAE has previously accused Iran of targeting ADNOC vessels, amid heightened tensions and disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sabina Mammadli