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Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned what it described as an Iranian attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz that killed two crew members, while also denouncing Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kingdom strongly condemned “Iran’s targeting of the Saudi vessel SIDR while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz”, which resulted in the deaths of members of the vessel’s crew.
Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company, Bahri, earlier confirmed that two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security incident involving the SIDR while the vessel was transiting the strategic waterway late on August 31.
The company said the incident occurred at about 11:40 pm local time but did not provide further details about its nature or circumstances.
“It is with profound sadness that Bahri confirms the loss of two of its Filipino seafarers as a result of the incident,” the company said, adding that it remained in contact with the vessel and was coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait and expressed the Kingdom’s full support and solidarity with the three countries over measures taken to protect their security and sovereignty.
“The Kingdom reaffirms the urgent need for a halt to escalation, respect for international shipping and the safety and security of global energy supplies, the principles of good neighbourliness, state sovereignty, the UN Charter and international laws and norms,” the ministry said.
Saudi Arabia called on all sides to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation and return to negotiations and peaceful solutions.
The incident involving the SIDR came amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Commercial shipping through the strategic waterway has been severely disrupted by escalating regional hostilities, raising concerns over the security of international navigation and global energy supplies.