The tanker attacks allegedly carried out by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz drew strong reactions from Arab countries in the region. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen condemned the Tehran administration and demanded an immediate halt to the attacks.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Iran's targeting of the Saudi-owned oil tanker "Vadiyan" and the Qatari-owned "El-Rakiyat." The statement stressed that these attacks violate international navigation security and global energy supplies, calling on Iran to immediately cease all actions threatening regional security.
Qatar and Bahrain protest
Qatar's Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission in Doha, Mohsen Mohammad Kanaani, and handed him a formal protest note. The ministry stated it rejects practices that threaten navigation security and regional stability, and called on Iran to "immediately stop these attacks." Qatar also described the attack on the Saudi tanker as "a serious violation of international security and a threat to energy security."
Bahrain, for its part, described the attack as a "terrorist" act and said it threatened the crews of the two tankers. It called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take a firm stance to guarantee freedom of navigation.
Reactions from other Arab countries
Kuwait strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "grave violation of international law," and called for an end to Iran's attacks. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) described the attack as "a serious threat to the security of international navigation," and said it was a dangerous escalation targeting one of the most vital waterways.
Egypt deemed the attack a "violation of international law and a threat to the security of international navigation." Jordan also condemned Iran's attacks, describing them as a "flagrant violation of international law," and stressed its full solidarity with Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Yemen, meanwhile, considered the attacks a "dangerous escalation" threatening regional and international security. The statement noted that these actions pose a direct threat to global trade routes and energy supply security.
Background
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that three tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz were attacked in the past 24 hours, sustaining minor damage, but did not disclose which countries the tankers belonged to.
The Strait of Hormuz region has frequently witnessed security tensions since the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026. On June 18, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Washington and Tehran aimed at halting hostilities and lifting the naval blockade imposed on Iran. Negotiations mediated by Qatar and Pakistan continue for the comprehensive implementation of the agreements.
