Saudi Arabia condemned an Iranian attack on a Bahri oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, citing the deaths of two Filipino crew members. The incident, part of escalating tensions in the waterway, drew international criticism and conflicting claims about the attack’s cause.
Saudi Condemnation and International Response
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry denounced an Iranian attack on the Bahri-owned Sidr tanker, which resulted in the deaths of two Filipino citizens. The incident, reported on September 2, occurred as the vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. The kingdom urged an end to escalations, calling the attack a flagrant violation of the rules of international law and freedom of maritime navigation.
Regional neighbors, including Kuwait and Qatar, echoed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation, with Qatar describing the attack as a bargaining chip
for Iran. The International Maritime Organization reported at least 22 seafarers killed in 79 confirmed incidents in the Strait since the U.S.-Israel war with Iran began in February 2026. Bahri, the Saudi shipping company, confirmed the security incident involving the Sidr, stating it remained in contact with the vessel and coordinating with authorities.
Conflicting Accounts of the Attack
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the Sidr tanker hit naval mines while transiting the Strait, but Saudi authorities and maritime security firms reported it was targeted by projectiles. The U.S. military disputed Iran’s narrative, asserting that the tanker was struck by missiles and drones. A similar incident in July saw another Bahri vessel, the Wedyan, attacked near Oman, while two others faced assaults in the Red Sea earlier that year.
The U.S. and Iran had reached a preliminary agreement to reopen the Strait in June 2026, but it collapsed after Iran resumed attacks. The Strait, through which a fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass, has seen increased closures due to Iranian missile and drone strikes, alongside a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. The U.S. has vowed to maintain its counter-blockade indefinitely.
Recent Attacks and Escalating Tensions
On September 15, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre reported the Panama-flagged El Gaia tanker on fire in its engine room, allegedly targeted 1.3 nautical miles north of the Musandam peninsula. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the vessel hit mines, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a fire caused by an unknown projectile. The U.S. military confirmed destroying two Iranian boats attempting to seize a drone, citing a statement from Capt Tim Hawkins of Centcom.
IranWire reported three vessels struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait on September 30, with the UKMTO noting a fire on one ship that was later extinguished. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated the group has for a long time been targeting smaller vessels trying to pass and preventing their transit,
while the U.S. has not responded for some time.
Implications for Global Energy Security
The attacks have disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for 20% of global oil shipments. The U.S. and Iran’s ongoing conflict has led to a de facto closure of the waterway, with commercial vessels avoiding the route due to heightened risks. The U.S. has maintained its naval presence to counter Iranian aggression, while Iran insists on retaining control over the strait’s southern route through Omani waters.
The International Maritime Organization’s data highlights the human toll, with 79 confirmed incidents since February 2026. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical stakes, as the Strait remains a flashpoint in the U.S.-Iran conflict. With no resolution in sight, the region faces continued volatility, threatening global energy markets and maritime safety.
The latest attacks have intensified calls for international intervention to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia and its allies have urged diplomatic solutions, while the U.S. continues to bolster its military presence. Iran’s refusal to relinquish control over the waterway suggests the conflict may persist, with potential ripple effects on global oil prices and supply chains. The coming weeks will test the viability of existing agreements and the capacity of regional powers to de-escalate tensions.