Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Qatari LNG tanker in Gulf

Saudi Arabia on Sunday strongly condemned an attack on a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker in Gulf waters, reiterating its rejection of threats to maritime security and global energy supplies.

In a statement carried , the foreign ministry denounced the targeting of the al-Mayeda, an LNG carrier belonging to Qatar Gas Transport Company.

“The Kingdom affirms its solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar in all measures it takes to protect its vessels and the safety of its international trade,” the ministry said.

It also called on the international community to take urgent action to ensure maritime security, safeguard international trade and uphold international law.

The condemnation comes after Qatar’s state news agency reported on Sunday that the al-Mayeda had been struck by “unidentified objects” while transiting Gulf waters on Friday evening.

No crew members were injured and the attack caused no environmental damage, according to the report.

The vessel remained in a safe condition and was operational, the Qatar News Agency reported, citing the company.

Since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February, Tehran has targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf in an effort to assert control over shipping, insisting that ships obtain its authorization before transiting.

The United States has meanwhile imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

The attack comes as Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, has intensified diplomatic efforts in recent days to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the war.