Saudi Oil Tankers Attacked in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions
Two Saudi oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, marking a further escalation of tensions in the region. The ships, Sidr and Senegal Prosperity, each carried 2 million barrels of Saudi crude that had been loaded at the Juaymah terminal last week.
The attacks occurred within minutes of each other while the tankers were transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz. According to shipping intelligence firms Marisks and Kpler, unknown projectiles struck both vessels near the Omani city of Khasab. Fortunately, all crew members on board were reported safe.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of global oil supplies. The United States and Iran have imposed blockades on the waterway, leading to a sharp decline in energy exports from the Gulf.
Oil prices rose on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump threatened further strikes against Iran. Efforts by mediators such as Qatar and Oman to broker a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have so far been unsuccessful.