Arabian Gulf Oil Tanker Attacks Escalate with Increased Violence in Hormuz Region

State-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates reported that since the conflict between Iran and Iraq began on February 28, a total of 15 vessels owned by the company have been attacked by missiles or drones in the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the 2020 conflict between Iran and Iraq erupted, the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of multiple military actions. As one of the world's busiest shipping lanes for oil and natural gas, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage between Baghdad and the Islamic Republic.

The United Arab Emirates' oil company is responsible for the country's majority of oil and natural gas resource development and operation. Its vessels transport oil and natural gas globally, with the Strait of Hormuz being a crucial shipping route for them.

Iran has officially acknowledged that its military forces participated in attacks on Iraq during the conflict, claiming these actions were aimed at countering the Iraqi government's suppression of Shia Muslims. However, Iran's attacks have raised concerns among the US and other countries, worrying that these actions may pose a threat to international maritime security.

The United Arab Emirates and other Arab countries have condemned Iran's attacks, calling on Iran to stop any attacks targeting the Iraqi government. The US and other countries have expressed concerns about the safety situation in the Strait of Hormuz and engaged in security cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

The significance of this incident for regional and Taiwanese understanding of the international situation lies in the fact that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil and natural gas shipping routes. Iran's attacks may pose a risk to global energy supply, thus having significant impacts on the world's politics and economy. For Taiwan, energy security and stable supply chains are crucial for its economic and social development.