The diplomatic adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates, after repeated attacks on oil tankers of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, said the country will defend its sovereignty and interests.

Anwar Gargash wrote on the X network: “The repeated targeting of ADNOC tankers will not deter the UAE from pursuing a balanced and cautious policy based on three pillars: deterrence, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.”

He added: “We protect our rights for freedom of navigation, while continuing the path of dialogue and prioritizing diplomatic options.”

These remarks came after Abu Dhabi National Oil Company confirmed that one of its vessels was targeted during passage through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. This is the third such incident for ADNOC’s vessels in less than a week.