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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its statement on July 12 condemning what it termed Iran’s continued destabilizing behavior throughout the region. According to the ministry, these actions pose a direct threat to security and stability while contravening core principles of international law. The ministry added that such conduct undermines the foundations of good neighborliness among states and requires immediate cessation to prevent further escalation.
Iran’s repeated strikes on commercial vessels came in for particular criticism in the statement from the ministry. The ministry reported that these incidents violate the United Nations Charter along with the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Such attacks further endanger maritime security and the unimpeded freedom of navigation that underpins global trade routes.
The ministry’s statement extended its condemnation to Iran’s hostile operations against several neighboring countries. These targets include Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Jordan, the ministry specified in its assessment. The Kingdom expressed its complete rejection of any infringement on the sovereignty of these states and warned that the pattern of behavior jeopardizes broader regional calm.
A related statement from the Gulf Cooperation Council earlier in the week denounced Iranian strikes on the Saudi tanker Wadiyan and the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The GCC assessment found that the assaults endangered crew members and breached UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which affirms freedom of maritime navigation. The council also highlighted parallel Iranian attacks on Bahraini and Kuwaiti territory in its formal denunciation.
International responses have included a joint Saudi-Canadian position that similarly urged Iran to halt all threats against commercial shipping. Al Arabiya English reported that the coordinated diplomatic language stressed the risk of heightened tensions and the importance of restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. These positions reflect ongoing efforts to support diplomatic channels amid the recent violations.
The ministry reiterated its longstanding call for adherence to international resolutions and respect for state sovereignty across the Gulf. Its latest communication aligns with previous Saudi positions articulated in response to similar incidents dating back several months. Regional partners continue to coordinate on measures aimed at safeguarding navigation and deterring further destabilizing actions.
