The State of Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the drone attack that targeted the Port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which resulted in damage to several fuel tanks at the port.
Qatar considers the attack a blatant hostile act and a flagrant violation of international law and its principles.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that targeting the Sultanate of Oman — especially following Oman's relentless efforts to de-escalate and contain tensions in the region — constitutes an unacceptable targeting of the role of mediators and de-escalation endeavours.
The Qatari ministry described the attack as a treacherous act and an abuse of neighbourly rights, as well as a dangerous escalation that undermines regional and international efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability.
The ministry renewed the State of Qatar's full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman, expressing its support for all measures Oman takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted the Port of Salalah, which resulted in damage to several fuel tanks at the port.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that these attacks constitute a dangerous escalation and a violation of the principles of international law. It also renewed its full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman, expressing support for all measures aimed at safeguarding Oman's security, ensuring the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory, and preserving its stability.
SHIPPING LANE
Iran's new supreme leader ordered the vital Strait of Hormuz oil shipping lane to remain closed on Thursday.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was reportedly injured in an air strike, has yet to appear publicly since his nomination last Sunday as supreme leader and his message was read by a newscaster on state television.
Mojtaba Khamenei called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain blocked and for Gulf countries to close their US military bases.
"The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely be used," Khamenei said of the waterway through which a quarter of world's oil and liquefied natural gas usually transit.
He added that "a limited amount of" Iran's revenge for US and Israeli strikes had "taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain among our priorities."
Images from Bahrain on Thursday showed thick smoke rising after a strike on fuel tanks in Muharraq, with residents told to stay inside and close their windows.
Drones caused damage again at Kuwait's international airport and in downtown Dubai, while Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted drones headed towards its Shaybah oil field and its embassy district.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
