The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) – the United Arab Emirates’ energy giant – has stated that attacks on its staff and vessels in the Persian Gulf have significantly affected its operations.
ADNOC said in a statement on 7 August that 15 of its vessels, including three in the past week, had been targeted by missiles and drones whilst transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February.
One of the world’s largest oil and energy companies added that, as a result of the attacks, one of its employees was killed and 20 others were injured.
In response to the US and Israeli air strikes, Iran effectively closed the strait and launched thousands of ballistic missiles and attack drones at US allies in the Persian Gulf, including the UAE.
ADNOC’s statement came against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts to restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, whilst Iran and Oman are negotiating the establishment of new safe routes through the strategic waterway.
The de facto closure of the Strait sent shockwaves through international energy markets and led to a sharp rise in global oil prices.