The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of Iran following an attack on the Saudi vessel SIDR while it was navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of two Filipino seafarers. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the targeting of the tanker and expressed firm solidarity with Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait in the face of Iranian actions, backing any measures these nations take to defend their sovereignty and national security.
Saudi Arabia emphasized the critical necessity of de-escalating regional tensions, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and adhering to the United Nations Charter and international law. The Ministry further called for the safeguarding of international maritime navigation and the protection of global energy supplies, urging all involved parties to show restraint and resolve conflicts through peaceful diplomatic negotiations.
According to the Saudi national shipping firm Bahri, the owner of the vessel, the incident occurred at roughly 11:40 p.m. local time on Monday, August 31. Bahri confirmed the fatalities of the two Filipino crew members and expressed its deepest condolences to their families and colleagues. The shipping company stated that it is actively coordinating with maritime stakeholders and relevant authorities, while maintaining continuous communication with the ship to monitor the situation. Bahri reiterated that its primary concern remains the safety and security of its crew members.
