Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attack on Saudi-owned tanker killing two Filipino sailors
Quick Look
Saudi Arabia condemned an alleged Iranian attack on its supertanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz that killed two Filipino crew members, amid escalating US-Iran tensions and reciprocal strikes.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have persisted for years, exacerbated by US-Iran hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, making any disruption a major economic and security concern.
Saudi Arabia has condemned what it said was an Iranian attack on a Saudi-owned supertanker on Monday night that killed two Filipino sailors.
The Saudi national shipping company, Bahri, confirmed on Wednesday that its vessel Sidr was "involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz".
Sidr was hit by projectiles north of Oman's Musandam Peninsula, according to maritime security firms. A South Korean-owned supertanker, Senegal Prosperity, was reportedly struck east of Musandam around the same time.
Iran has not responded to the Saudi allegation. But it said earlier that two tankers had caught fire after hitting mines while using an unauthorised route through the strait.
The news of the sailors' deaths came after the US military carried out a wave of air strikes on Iran and Iranian forces targeted US bases in neighbouring Arab states with missiles and drones in their biggest exchange of fire since July.
On Wednesday Iran's health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 injured in the US attacks. Iran has accused the US of a "war crime" over a strike that killed four people including two children at a wedding party in the southern city of Sirik. The US military said it was looking into the reports.
Shipping company Bahri's statement said the unspecified "security incident" affecting Sidr happened in the Strait of Hormuz at around 23:40 local time (19:40 GMT) on Monday.
"It is with profound sadness that Bahri confirms the loss of two of its Filipino seafarers as a result of the incident," it added. "The company extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to their families, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time."
Later, the Saudi foreign ministry expressed the kingdom's condemnation of "Iran's targeting of the Saudi tanker (Sidr) while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz".
It also condemned the recent Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, and stressed the "need to halt escalation and respect the security and safety of international navigation", as well as the security of global energy supplies, national sovereignty, and international law.
The statements were issued a day after maritime risk management and intelligence firms Marisks and Kpler reported that two tankers each loaded with two million barrels of Saudi crude oil were struck by unknown projectiles within minutes of each other as they transited outbound through the Strait of Hormuz late on Monday.
Sidr was struck by "unknown projectiles" at 19:52 GMT about 16 nautical miles (30km) north-east of Khasab, Oman, while Senegal Prosperity was struck by "three unknown projectiles" about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, according to Marisks.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported two incidents in the same locations.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Saudi Arabia will seek international condemnation of Iran through diplomatic channels
Likely · Within days
The US may increase military presence in the Strait of Hormuz to protect shipping lanes
Possible · Within weeks
Iran will deny responsibility for the tanker attack while continuing to accuse the US of war crimes
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Who exactly launched the projectiles that hit the tankers?
- What type of projectiles were used in the attack?
- Will there be an international investigation into the incident?
- How will Saudi Arabia respond beyond diplomatic condemnation?
