Oman's Foreign Ministry condemned the repeated attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to N12.
Oman's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned the repeated attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to an N12 report. The statement did not name a specific perpetrator, but comes hours after the United Arab Emirates confirmed that an ADNOC-linked vessel was struck by an Iranian missile earlier in the day, and Saudi Arabia issued its own condemnations. The sequence of events on Saturday began with initial reports of an attack on a UAE vessel, followed by confirmation that the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) vessel was hit by a missile with no casualties. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia explicitly blamed Iran, with the UAE calling the attack 'acts of piracy.'
The Zioneer has reported extensively on Iran's campaign to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. Over the past two months, the IRGC has struck multiple commercial vessels, fired warning shots, and demanded tolls for passage. On July 8, The Zioneer reported that Oman condemned military strikes in Bahrain and Kuwait as well as attacks on Saudi and Qatari merchant ships in the strait, calling for restraint. That earlier condemnation, also reported by N12, reflects the Sultanate's consistent position against the escalating maritime hostilities.
Oman borders the Strait of Hormuz and has long maintained a policy of neutrality. However, the escalation has placed the Sultanate under mounting regional pressure. Background reports reviewed by The Zioneer indicate that Iran has previously struck vessels in Omani waters, including cruise missile attacks on UAE-flagged tankers that resulted in casualties. An Iranian official confirmed to The New York Times that the IRGC launched a drone at a vessel to punish Oman for facilitating traffic through routes bypassing Iranian oversight, as The Zioneer reported on June 26.
Oman's latest statement, while not naming Iran, reflects the growing diplomatic friction. It remains unclear whether Muscat will take any further measures or whether the condemnation signals a shift in its neutral stance.
7 developments
- StrongOman condemns military strikes in Bahrain, Kuwait, and attacks on Saudi, Qatari merchant ships in Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingInternational Maritime Organization condemns attacks on merchant ships in Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingVessels continue transiting Omani shipping lane in Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian threats
- StrongOman affirms freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz, rejects any transit fees
Source and signal
- Open-source intake