Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attack on Sidr tanker, two crew killed

Saudi Arabia has condemned an Iranian attack on the Sidr oil tanker, owned by its national shipping company Bahri, which occurred while the vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The assault, which took place on Monday, resulted in the deaths of two Filipino crew members. The Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement on Wednesday, calling for an end to escalations and emphasizing the need to respect international maritime safety and the security of global energy supplies.

This incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, linked to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran that began on February 28. Regional neighbors, including Kuwait and Qatar, have also denounced the attack, labeling it a violation of international law and a threat to freedom of navigation. Qatar specifically referred to the attack as a "flagrant violation," asserting that the Strait of Hormuz should not be used as a bargaining chip in geopolitical conflicts.

Bahri confirmed the incident through social media, stating it was in continuous contact with the Sidr and coordinating with relevant authorities regarding the situation. The company is closely monitoring developments, as the attack adds to a pattern of Iranian aggression against tankers in the strategic waterway. The United States has insisted that shipping in the Strait remains safe, despite a notable slowdown in maritime traffic due to the increased threats from Iran.

As the situation evolves, the implications for global oil supply and maritime security are significant. Before the recent conflicts, approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing tensions and attacks on vessels could lead to further disruptions in energy exports from oil-rich Gulf countries, impacting global markets and raising concerns about the stability of international shipping routes.