Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of attacking a Saudi tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions at the world's most critical energy chokepoint.
The kingdom's Foreign Ministry stated that the vessel, named Wadiyan, was targeted while transiting the strait, and warned that Tehran would be held fully responsible for the consequences of such actions.
The accusation comes amid a rapidly deteriorating security environment in the Gulf.
Reports indicate that a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was also struck by missiles fired by Iran overnight, raising fears of a broader campaign against commercial shipping.
Qatar has formally demanded that Iran immediately cease actions threatening international shipping, signaling a unified diplomatic front among Gulf states against the perceived aggression.
This development follows a period of stalled diplomatic efforts to normalize shipping routes.