Speaking in London, Al-Jubeir was discussing Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy when he said the EU was right to blame Iran for the attacks and added “Iran does not respect the sovereignty of states and does not respect international law”. On September 14, drone strikes hit two oil plants in Saudi Arabia leading to the Kingdom’s oil production being halved and international markets momentarily in upheaval.
Western allies including the US, the UK and the EU supported Riyadh’s claims that Tehran was behind the attack.
However, Iran President Hassan Rouhani denied these accusations adding that his allies in Yemen, the Houthi Rebels, were the true culprits.
After weeks of disagreement and squabbling between the two Middle Eastern states, more uproar ensued on October 11 when an Iranian oil tanker was hit by a drone strike in the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia.
As of yet no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, with Tehran refraining from accusing any specific party.
The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), which owns the targeted vessel, confirmed that its hull was hit by two separate explosions off the Saudi port of Jeddah, but made a point of denying reports that the attack had originated from Saudi soil.
Ali Shamkhani, the secretary-general of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said that a committee is investigating the incident to determine culpability.
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He said: “Our two countries emphasised that regional issues could only be resolved through political means and dialogue.
“We openly welcome any goodwill gesture by Pakistan for providing more peace and stability for the whole region and we are ready to assist Pakistan for providing full peace and stability for the whole region.”
However, with Saudi Arabia maintaining its feeling of aggrievement following the Saudi oil attack, any progress that looked to have been made has only materialised into more tension and anger.