The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of attacking two tankers operated by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil and gas company ADNOC as they transited the Strait of Hormuz.

ADNOC said the attack took place on Thursday evening, caused no injuries and had been brought under control. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said two vessels sustained minor damage in a drone attack in the waterway. AP reported that the UKMTO account appeared to refer to the same incident.

What is alleged, and by whom

The UAE foreign ministry said Iran was responsible, a claim to which Tehran had not responded immediately, according to AP.

The incident is confirmed. Responsibility for it remains an accusation, and is reported here as such.

Why it matters

The incident will focus attention on whether insurers, charterers and regional navies treat the attack as isolated or as a renewed operational risk around one of the world’s most important energy routes.