Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning what it characterized as an Iranian attack on the Sidr tanker, operated by the national shipping company Bahri, as the vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week. The incident resulted in the deaths of two Philippine nationals. The ministry called for an end to escalations and emphasized the importance of maintaining international maritime safety and protecting global energy supplies.
Neighboring countries in the region joined Saudi Arabia in denouncing the attack. Kuwait and Qatar’s foreign ministries both stated that the incident violated international law and the principle of freedom of maritime navigation. Qatar specifically characterized the action as a “flagrant violation” of international legal standards and expressed opposition to the use of the strategic waterway as a negotiating tool.
Bahri confirmed the security incident involving its vessel through social media, noting that the attack occurred late on Monday while the tanker was transiting the waterway. The company stated it was maintaining contact with the affected vessel and coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime industry participants as the situation developed.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of tensions in the region. Iran has a history of targeting and threatening tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, actions that have disrupted energy exports from Gulf states. The United States maintains that vessels can safely navigate the waterway and has pledged to sustain counter-blockade measures against Iranian ports. Traffic through this critical chokepoint, through which a significant portion of global oil passes, has declined substantially amid the ongoing security concerns.
This attack on the Sidr follows earlier incidents affecting Saudi shipping interests, including a hit on another Bahri vessel in July and attacks on two additional company tankers in the Red Sea in July and August following a naval blockade declaration by Yemen’s Houthis.
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