Bahrain has strongly condemned what it called an Iranian attack on the Saudi oil tanker *Sadr* as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that killed two Filipino sailors, according to the Bahraini Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The statement comes amid rising tensions in the region and a wave of Arab condemnations of what several countries described as a new round of Iranian escalation.
Manama said the attack posed a serious threat to the safety of maritime navigation and the freedom of commercial shipping, and that it was a blatant violation of international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Bahrain also voiced full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed support for all steps it may take to protect its security and vital interests.
Bahrain Says the Attack Threatens International Shipping
Violation of International Law and Freedom of Navigation
The Bahraini Foreign Ministry said the attack on the Saudi tanker *Sadr* while it was crossing the Strait of Hormuz was not just an assault on a commercial vessel, but a direct threat to maritime security and the freedom of passage through one of the world’s most important waterways. It described the incident as a clear violation of international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Security Council resolutions including Resolution 2817, and International Maritime Organization decisions.
The ministry added that attacks of this kind threaten trade and energy flows and put ships and crews at increasing risk, making urgent international action necessary to protect vital sea lanes.
Full Solidarity With Saudi Arabia
Bahrain stressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its total support for any measures it takes to safeguard its security, its citizens, and its vital interests. The statement reflects broader Gulf coordination in response to attacks targeting maritime security or regional stability.
Bahrain Calls on the Security Council to Act
Stop Iranian Attacks
Bahrain renewed its call on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities and take the necessary steps to stop Iranian attacks that threaten maritime navigation and freedom of passage in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways. It also called for stronger regional and international cooperation, including joint efforts to remove mines and other maritime hazards.
The statement said the aim is to protect ships and crews, ensure the free and smooth movement of trade and energy, and strengthen stability and security in the region.
Maritime Security as a Regional Priority
The Bahraini statement makes clear that the security of navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is no longer just a technical or naval issue. It has become part of the broader regional security picture. Attacks on commercial vessels threaten not only one country but also global supply chains, energy markets, and international trade.
Arab League Warns of a Wider Conflict
Condemnation of Attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait
In a separate statement, the Arab League strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks targeting Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. It warned that the new wave of escalation is a grave violation of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, a direct threat to regional security and stability, and a sign that the conflict could widen again.
The League said in its statement that continuing this path does not only threaten Gulf states, but also puts the entire regional security system at greater risk, undermining what remains of the chances for de-escalation and derailing political efforts to address the crisis.
Call for Immediate Halt and Restraint
The statement called for an immediate end to the attacks and urged restraint, warning against any steps that could expand the confrontation. It added that continued escalation will not solve the underlying crisis but will only deepen it and increase the cost for the entire region.
The Arab League also said restoring the political and negotiating track remains the only way to stop the cycle of escalation and lay the foundations for lasting regional security and stability.
UAE Condemns Attacks on Four Arab Targets
Solidarity With Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region
The United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region with missiles and drones. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said the attacks were a blatant violation of state sovereignty and a threat to their security and stability.
The ministry reiterated the UAE’s full solidarity with Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and its support for any measures that help preserve their security and stability.
A Unified Arab and Gulf Position
These simultaneous statements reflect a clear Arab and Gulf alignment against the escalation, with repeated calls to protect national sovereignty, safeguard navigation, and avoid expanding the conflict.
Conclusion:
Arab condemnations of the latest Iranian attacks continue to grow, with Bahrain saying the attack on the Saudi oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct threat to international navigation, the Arab League warning of wider regional fallout, and the UAE condemning attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. In this climate, calls for restraint and a return to political dialogue remain the only clear path to avoiding further escalation.
