**Saudi Arabia Condemns Deadly Iranian Attack on Tanker in Strait of Hormuz**
**Published on September 2, 2026**
Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of an Iranian attack on an oil tanker owned by its national shipping company, Bahri, which resulted in the deaths of two Filipino citizens. The incident, which occurred while the Sidr tanker was transiting the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, has heightened tensions in the region.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed the attack took place on Monday, August 31, and emphasized the kingdom's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a commitment to international maritime safety. In a statement, the ministry highlighted the importance of securing global energy supplies and maintaining the freedom of navigation in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for international shipping.
Regional neighbors, including Kuwait and Qatar, have also condemned the attack, citing violations of international law. Qatar’s foreign ministry described the incident as a "flagrant violation" of maritime law and called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain free from geopolitical maneuvering.
In a social media update, Bahri confirmed the involvement of its vessel, the Sidr, in a security incident and stated that it is in continuous communication with the crew and relevant authorities. The company is closely monitoring the situation as it develops.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of tensions between Iran and other nations, particularly following the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28. Iran has a history of targeting vessels in the region, often citing unauthorized passage as justification for its actions. The United States has maintained that maritime traffic in the Strait remains safe, despite recent escalations in attacks.
Reports indicate that overnight on August 31, unidentified projectiles struck two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the security landscape for maritime operations. Both vessels had recently loaded crude oil in Saudi Arabia and were en route through the strait, which historically has been a critical route for approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that the two oil tankers caught fire after striking mines while navigating the strait. This claim aligns with previous incidents where Iranian forces have targeted vessels in the area, raising concerns about the safety of maritime operations.
The recent attack on the Sidr is not an isolated incident; in July, another Bahri vessel, the Wedyan supertanker, was struck while passing near Oman’s coast. Additionally, two other Bahri vessels were attacked in the Red Sea in July and August, following threats from Yemen's Houthis, who declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict and its implications for global shipping and energy supplies remain a significant concern for countries reliant on the stability of this vital maritime route.