Ship reported seized and another attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The British military reported Thursday that a ship anchored 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah, UAE, was seized by unauthorized personnel and is now heading toward Iranian waters. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident but did not name the vessel or claim responsibility. Meanwhile, an Indian-flagged cargo ship, *Haji Ali*, sank off Oman after an attack sparked a fire while en route from Somalia to Sharjah on Wednesday. All 14 Indian crew members were rescued by Oman’s coast guard, according to India’s shipping ministry. India’s foreign ministry condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable and highlighting ongoing threats to commercial shipping in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade, remains a flashpoint. Iranian semiofficial reports stated that Chinese ships began passing through the strait under new Iranian protocols after diplomatic requests from China. The developments followed President Donald Trump’s arrival in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, though Iran’s actions were not directly addressed in their discussions. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he had visited the UAE during the Israel-Iran conflict, though the UAE denied the report. The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has faced criticism from Iran over perceived Israeli military presence in the region. Analysts suggest the UAE seeks security cooperation with Israel while distancing itself from Netanyahu’s government amid Gaza policy controversies. The incidents underscore escalating tensions in the Gulf, where Iran’s actions—including ship seizures and attacks—disrupt maritime security. The region’s complex alliances, including China’s role in facilitating trade routes and Israel’s diplomatic overtures, further complicate efforts to stabilize the area.