The United Arab Emirates on Monday condemned what it called a "brazen attack" by Iran on two national tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that resulted in one fatality and eight injuries. The attack, which occurred on Monday, prompted the United States to announce fresh strikes against Iran and a new blockade on the crucial waterway.

This escalation between the US and Iran raises concerns about the stability of global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for oil transport. The dispute threatens to disrupt ongoing efforts to resolve the broader conflict between the two nations, although US President Donald Trump stated that a deal remained possible.

The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that Iranian cruise missiles struck the two tankers, killing an Indian crew member and wounding eight others, with four injuries being serious. Six of the injured were Indian nationals, and two were Ukrainian. The ministry characterized the attack as a "serious violation and a clear breach of international law, threatening the security and stability of the region."

In response to the escalating tensions, President Trump declared that the US would impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively creating a blockade to stop Iranian ships or their customers from accessing the route. This measure, set to take effect Tuesday, is intended to reimburse the US for ensuring safety and security in the volatile strait.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later confirmed the strikes, stating in a Telegram message that two tankers had ignored warnings, deactivated their navigation systems, and attempted to navigate a mined route. The IRGC asserted that it had disabled the vessels, warning that cooperation with the "aggressor enemy" would lead to "regret, damage and delays in opening the Strait - as well as the creation of an energy crisis in the world."

Oil prices saw a notable increase following the incident. Brent crude rose by 0.7% to $83.87 a barrel in Asian trade on Tuesday, after a more than 9% surge on Monday. US-traded oil also climbed 0.9% to $79.04.

The Strait of Hormuz has been a recurring point of contention between the US and Iran. Monday's events followed exchanges of strikes in the region over the preceding Sunday night, highlighting the ongoing friction over the waterway's control.

President Trump announced the blockade and charge via a Truth Social post, framing the US as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." He emphasized that while Iran's access would be restricted, other countries would retain "fair and open use of the Strait."