By Adedayo Isaac Adeoti
Saudi Arabia has condemned Iran for targeting the Saudi-flagged tanker SIDR while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that resulted in the deaths of two Filipino crew members.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the condemnation on Wednesday, expressing its rejection of the targeting of the vessel and calling for an immediate halt to the regional escalation.
The ministry also condemned Iranian attacks against Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, while affirming Saudi Arabia’s support for the affected countries and their efforts to protect their security and sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia “stands by the fraternal states and the measures they take to protect their security and sovereignty against any threat,” the ministry added.
Riyadh stressed the need to protect the safety of international navigation and global energy supplies. It urged “good neighborliness and respect for the sovereignty of nations, the UN Charter and international laws and norms.”
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The Kingdom also “called on all parties to restore calm, end the escalation, respect international law, return to the negotiations and turn to peaceful solutions,” the ministry said.
The tanker SIDR, operated by Saudi national shipping company Bahri, was involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 11:40 p.m. local time on August 31.
Bahri confirmed on Wednesday that two of its Filipino seafarers died as a result of the incident. The company did not initially provide further details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Bahri said it remained in continuous contact with the vessel and was coordinating with relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders while monitoring developments.
The company expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased seafarers and said it was providing support to those affected.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major international waterway for energy shipments. Recent security concerns have disrupted shipping activity through the strategic passage and raised fears about the safety of commercial vessels and global energy supplies.
