Riyadh Condemns Deadly Iranian Strike on Saudi Tanker

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned an Iranian attack on a Saudi tanker in the Strait of Hormuz that killed two Filipino crew members.

The Saudi-flagged tanker Sidra was crossing the Strait of Hormuz late Monday when it was struck, according to the report.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also condemned Iranian attacks on several Middle Eastern countries in retaliation for US strikes on Iran.

“The Kingdom calls on all parties to calm down, stop escalation, respect international law and return to negotiations and peaceful solutions,” the ministry said.

The latest escalation came after the United States launched overnight attacks on Tuesday targeting Iranian air defence systems, radar installations, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites.

At least 12 people were killed in the attacks, including a four-year-old child at a wedding in Sirik, according to the report.

Iran subsequently responded with strikes against US assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran’s military command said its objective was to force US forces out of the extensive network of military bases they have maintained across the Middle East for decades.

“American evil in the region will be met with heavier, more widespread, and devastating responses, and any country that cooperates with the aggressive American army must accept its dangerous consequences,” the Iranian military command said.

Meanwhile, senior US officials have been engaging with countries that continue to conduct business with Iran, urging them to stop providing support to Tehran, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday.

“My message to everyone is: stay away. We all want this conflict to end, and the fastest way for the conflict to end is for no one to provide any support to this regime,” Bessent said.

He added that the United States would seek to sever Iran’s remaining ties with the outside world.

The developments mark another significant escalation in tensions involving Iran, the United States and several countries across the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia calling for restraint, respect for international law and a return to negotiations.