Saudi Arabia issues emergency alerts after explosions near Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts for the Khamis Mushait Governorate and Abha in the Asir province following reports of explosions heard off the coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian news agency IRNA reported that the sounds of two explosions originated from the direction of the sea, describing the event as a “new security incident in the Strait of Hormuz”. Saudi Civil Defence later lifted the alerts after announcing the potential danger had passed.

The incidents occur amid heightened regional tensions and disruptions to maritime shipping routes. In a related development, Saudi Arabia recently halted operations on its East-West pipeline as a precaution following a drone attack. This pipeline, which transports crude from eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, serves as a strategic alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has previously confirmed that certain drones used in regional attacks originated from its territory.