Saudi and Omani leaders discuss regional security as Iran war escalates

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Oman's Sultan Haitham convened in Jeddah on Tuesday to deliberate on regional affairs and the maintenance of security, in light of the ongoing US-Iran war that continues to jeopardize stability, maritime routes, and energy production in the Gulf. The pair also touched upon their bilateral ties and potential avenues for enhanced collaboration across different sectors, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

Their summit transpired amid heightened regional tensions following a first round of strikes between Iran and the US. This occurred on Sunday evening and persisted into Monday, marking the first such exchange since late July. American forces executed strikes on the Iranian island of Larak within the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Jordan.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Tuesday that Tehran would respond if the US adhered to its commitments under a June interim agreement aimed at halting the conflict, following US President Donald Trump's warning of additional strikes against Tehran. Oil prices surged following the direct confrontations and the reports of two tankers being fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical global oil shipping lane that Iran has effectively closed to vessels.

The Saudi-owned oil supertanker Sidr was struck while transiting northeast of Khasab, Oman, as reported by maritime security consultant Marisks. Furthermore, the Senegal Prosperity, operated by Sinokor, suffered three projectile impacts while navigating east of Oman, according to the same consultant. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency disclosed that a tanker had been attacked by three "unknown projectiles" east of Oman while traversing the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident came after Iran's Tasnim news agency reported the Sidr had "stopped" while passing through the southern sector of the strait. The six-month clash evolved into an economic standoff prior to the recent military confrontation. Oman has assumed a significant diplomatic role in attempts to curb the conflict and has been engaged in discussions about security and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting in Jeddah brought together high-ranking officials from both nations, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.