Iran Attacks Saudi Supertanker Sidr in Strait of Hormuz, Killing Two Filipino Crew

The Bahri-owned VLCC Sidr, carrying two million barrels of crude loaded at Juaymah, was struck by unidentified projectiles late on August 31 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz northeast of Khasab, Oman, killing two Filipino crew members; a second supertanker was struck in the same incident. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack on the Sidr and 'stressed the necessity of halting escalations, and respecting international maritime safety and the security of global energy supplies.' Kuwait and Qatar also condemned the strikes as violations of international law and maritime freedom. Iran's Revolutionary Guard later claimed the vessels struck mines rather than being deliberately targeted.