ADNOC’s maritime energy logistics unit said the Barakah was empty when it was attacked by two drones, and no injuries were reported.

“The UAE further stressed the need for Iran to halt these unprovoked attacks, ensure its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” the foreign ministry added.

Iran has blocked entry and exit from the Gulf to most non-Iranian ships since the US and Israel began attacking it on Feb 18.

It has threatened to attack unauthorised vessels as they transit the Strait, conduit for around a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency ​said earlier that a tanker had reported being hit by unknown projectiles while about 78 nautical miles north of UAE’s Fujairah.