Bahrain condemns Iranian attack on Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz

Manama, 2 September (KUNA) -- The Kingdom of Bahrain expressed its strong condemnation and rejection today, Wednesday, of the reprehensible Iranian attack that targeted the Saudi oil tanker “Sidra” as it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the deaths of two sailors on board.

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this attack constitutes a serious threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation, freedom of movement for commercial vessels, and a blatant violation of the rules of international law, the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2817, as well as resolutions of the International Maritime Organization.

The Ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s full solidarity with the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its complete support for all measures taken to safeguard its security, the safety of its citizens, and its vital interests, based on the deep-rooted fraternal and historical ties linking the leaderships and peoples of the two brotherly countries. It emphasized that the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are an integral part of the national security of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

At the same time, Bahrain expressed its sincere condolences and sympathies to the government and people of the friendly Republic of the Philippines, as well as to the families, relatives, and colleagues of the two deceased sailors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs renewed its call upon the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and take the necessary measures to halt Iranian attacks that threaten the security and safety of maritime navigation, freedom of passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and other international waterways. It also called for enhancing regional and international cooperation and coordination, including joint efforts to remove mines and maritime hazards, to protect ships and their crews, and to ensure the freedom and smooth flow of trade and energy, thereby strengthening security and stability in the region.

Earlier today, Wednesday, the Saudi National Marine Transport Company (Al-Bahri) announced the death of two Filipino sailors aboard its tanker “Sidra” following a security incident during the vessel’s transit through the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the company said the incident occurred around 23:40 local time on Monday. (End) K.N.A. / R.J.