Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned an Iranian attack on the Saudi oil tanker Sidr while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in fatalities among the vessel's crew.
The attack occurred Wednesday as the tanker moved through the strategic waterway. Saudi officials characterized the strike as a serious violation of international maritime law and international norms governing shipping and commerce.
Bahrain issued a separate statement Thursday denouncing the attack as a flagrant violation of international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, relevant UN Security Council resolutions including Resolution 2817, and International Maritime Organization resolutions. Bahraini authorities described the incident as posing a serious threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and the free movement of commercial vessels.
The Gulf Cooperation Council's Secretary General Jasim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi characterized Iran's action as a naked breach of international legal frameworks and a dangerous provocation. He warned that the attack threatens regional stability and poses risks to international naval traffic and commerce.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of upholding principles including the security of international maritime transport, maritime security, the safety of global energy supply distribution, neighboring relations principles, and United Nations agreements. The ministry called for an immediate end to violations in the region and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
Bahrain affirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed support for all measures the kingdom takes to safeguard its security and protect its citizens and vital interests. The Bahraini Foreign Ministry underscored the deep-rooted fraternal and historical ties between the leaderships and peoples of the two countries.
Saudi Arabia stated it would provide full support and solidarity to fraternal nations for any measures they adopt to protect their own security and sovereignty. The kingdom called for an urgent halt to aggression in the region.
Gulf and Arab nations issued coordinated statements describing Iran's actions as presenting a serious challenge to regional security and global economic stability. Multiple countries characterized the attack as a dangerous provocation that threatens the sustainability of the region.