Gulf States Raise Alarm Over Iran’s Actions in the Strait of Hormuz

In a combined response, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait intensely criticized the most recent Iranian attacks, saying they damaged regional security, disrupted sovereignty, and broken international law.

According to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Iran’s actions pose a threat to regional peace and stability. The ministry said Iran’s actions against commercial vessels and international shipping lanes violate the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s principles, and international law.

Saudi Arabia said that such actions are not only aggregate pressures in the region but are also threatening global naval trade, shipping and freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz. Though Saudi Arabia was not openly embattled in the recent Iranian attacks, a Saudi oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz was hit in the attack last week.

In contrast, Oman also sturdily convicted the attack on its territory, calling it intolerable. Official Oman News Agency reported that, the government has said that the Sultanate of Oman intensely denounces every attack on its territory. The proclamation came at a time when the Iranian foreign minister was in Oman for talks on the security of the Strait of Hormuz just hours ago.

Kuwait’s foreign ministry also called the Iranian attacks a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry said in a statement that these attacks once again reflect Iran’s aggressive behavior and pose a direct threat to the country’s security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and foreign residents.

The Kuwaiti government added that these actions are a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions. The statement warned that if tensions increase further, it could affect diplomatic efforts in the region and the crisis could deepen.

These statements by the Gulf countries show that regional concerns are constantly increasing over the recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region, while various countries are calling for diplomatic talks and a reduction in tensions to resolve the dispute.