Kingdom Responds to Alleged Iranian Targeting of Saudi and Qatari Tankers
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday strongly condemned Iran for targeting the Saudi oil tanker Wedyan and the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al-Rekayyat as they transited the Strait of Hormuz, describing the attacks as a grave violation of international law and a threat to global energy security.
The foreign ministry said the “unacceptable attacks” constitute an assault on the security and safety of international navigation and on the stability of global energy supplies. The Kingdom 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. The string of attacks came after more than a week of respite and revived concerns about freedom of navigation following Iran’s decision to lift its blockade of the vital waterway under a fragile ceasefire with the United States.
A foreign ministry statement said the attacks represent “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 cease all actions that might threaten regional security and the safety of international navigation and energy supplies.
Qatar Summons Iranian Envoy
In a separate development, Qatar summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador on Tuesday to lodge a formal complaint over the attack on Al-Rekayyat. The Qatari foreign ministry handed a diplomatic note demanding an explanation 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.”
Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari described the attack as unacceptable and a clear violation of international law. The incident marks a sharp escalation in maritime tensions in the Gulf, coming just weeks after a US-Iran ceasefire agreement raised hopes of a lasting peace. The United States has not yet issued an official response to the latest attacks.
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