Kingdom Condemns Iran for Targeting Saudi and Qatari Tankers
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran on Tuesday for targeting the Saudi tanker Wedyan as it transited the Strait of Hormuz. The Kingdom also condemned Iran for targeting the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al-Rekayyat, calling these “unacceptable attacks” an assault on the security and safety of international navigation and global energy supplies.
Iran Held Fully Responsible
Saudi Arabia said it held Iran fully responsible for the attacks and their repercussions. Three tankers, including Wedyan and Al-Rekayyat, were struck within hours in the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime monitors on Tuesday. The string of attacks after more than a week of respite revived concerns about freedom of navigation, following Iran’s lifting of its blockade of the vital waterway after a fragile ceasefire with the United States.
Violation of International Law
A foreign ministry statement said: “The Kingdom affirms that Iran’s continued launching of these attacks constitutes a grave violation of international law and norms, and of Security Council Resolution No. 2817, which guarantees freedom of maritime navigation and safe passage of sea lanes.” The ministry demanded that Iran immediately stop everything that might threaten the security of the region and the safety of international navigation and energy supplies.
Qatar Summons Iranian Diplomat
Qatar summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador on Tuesday to lodge a complaint after the attack on Al-Rekayyat, which Doha had earlier blamed on Iran. The Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement that it handed a diplomatic note to the “deputy ambassador,” demanding an explanation for the incident and calling on Iran to “immediately cease any practices undermining regional security and to refrain from endangering the safety of international shipping and global energy supplies.”
Impact on Global Energy Supplies
The attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, threaten the stability of energy markets. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two of the world's largest energy exporters, have emphasized the need to protect maritime routes. The international community has been urged to take action to ensure freedom of navigation and prevent further escalation.
