Kuwait, Qatar, UAE Join Saudi Arabia in Condemning Iran Attacks

The Saudi cabinet has condemned Iranian attacks on commercial ships and oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, urging Iran to immediately cease such actions. A statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Saudi Arabia completely rejects any violation of the territorial integrity of brotherly countries, stating that Iran’s actions to harm regional security and stability are a clear violation of international laws.

These condemnations come amidst escalating tensions in the region. Reports indicate retaliatory actions by Iran on US assets in the Gulf. The situation was triggered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which stipulated that Iran would arrange for ships to pass through under freedom of navigation. However, the United States reportedly attempted to weaken Iran’s strategic position and seek an alternative route near Oman’s coast, which Iran viewed as a violation of the MoU, leading to attacks on some vessels.

The region is described as being on edge, with a ceasefire between the US and Iran reportedly near collapse, and the MoU also facing collapse. There are also reports of clashes between Houthis and Saudis, with an attack on an airport in Yemen, controlled by Houthis, leading to Houthi accusations against Saudi Arabia and subsequent attacks on Saudi targets. This confrontation marks the first such clash between Houthis and Saudis since a truce was in place between 2020 and 2022. The US has announced the resumption of a blockade, while Iran has stated it has closed the Strait of Hormuz.