Riyadh, Cairo, Aug. 8 (Petra) -- The Arab League and several Arab states condemned Iran's targeting of a UAE oil tanker while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that attacks on commercial vessels threaten maritime security, freedom of navigation, and global energy supplies.

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy condemned the attack, describing it as another incident in what he called a continuing series of Iranian violations of freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime routes.

He said the attack violated UN Security Council resolutions affirming freedom of navigation and rejecting attacks on commercial vessels, including Resolution 2817.

Fahmy held Tehran fully responsible for what he described as attacks against Arab interests, saying they contravene established international principles governing freedom of navigation and the safety of waterways and could have serious repercussions for regional security and stability.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the targeting of the UAE tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying such attacks constitute a threat to maritime security and safety as well as global energy supplies.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Friday, the ministry said Iran's continued attacks constituted a serious violation of international laws and norms, including UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which guarantees freedom of navigation and safe passage through international waterways.

Saudi Arabia held Iran responsible for the consequences of continuing such attacks and called on Tehran to immediately halt the violations to preserve regional security, stability, and safety.

Riyadh also reaffirmed its full solidarity with the UAE and support for measures taken by Abu Dhabi to protect its sovereignty, resources, and national interests.

Egypt likewise condemned the targeting of the tanker with a missile while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing the incident as a serious threat to maritime security and safety and to the free movement of international trade through one of the world's most important waterways.

Egypt reaffirmed its full solidarity with the UAE and its categorical rejection of attacks on ships and civilian facilities or any actions that threaten maritime security and safety in the region.

Cairo stressed the need to respect freedom of navigation through international waterways and ensure that maritime routes are not placed at risk.

Arab Parliament President Mohammad Al-Yamahi said targeting commercial vessels and threatening the safety of international navigation represented a dangerous escalation that threatened regional security and stability, with direct consequences for global trade and energy supplies.

Al-Yamahi expressed the Arab Parliament's full solidarity with the UAE and support for all measures it takes to safeguard its security and stability and protect its resources and facilities.

He said the UAE's security, territorial integrity, and interests are an integral part of Arab national security.

//Petra// AF