Saudi Arabia Urges UNSC to Take Decisive Measures on Yemen Derelict Oil Tanker

Saudi Arabia Urges UNSC to Take Decisive Measures on Yemen Derelict Oil Tanker
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Saudi Arabia Urges UNSC to Take Decisive Measures on Yemen Derelict Oil Tanker

Saudi Arabia Urges UNSC to Take Decisive Measures on Yemen Derelict Oil Tanker

Saudi Arabia called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday to take strong and decisive measures in dealing with the derelict oil tanker in Yemen, Safer, and to neutralize the threat it poses.

The Kingdom's Ambassador to the UN Abdullah al-Mouallimi voiced Saudi Arabia's appreciation for the UNSC holding a session to discuss the dangerous situation of Safer and the looming threats entailed on the marine environment and navigation in the Red Sea.

Al-Mouallimi pointed out to the danger of an explosion and an oil spill happening at Safer and how the tanker is positioned near Bab al-Mandab strait which is a vital trade route for Asia and Europe.

He called for an urgent solution that deals with the rundown tanker and said that the UNSC is responsible for securing the safety and security of the region.

Al-Mouallimi noted that an oil spill at Safer will be four times worse that the Exxon Valdez disaster which took place in Alaska in 1989. It could also lead to shutting down Yemen’s Hodeidah port for months on end which would in turn lead to a staggering shortage in fuel and basic commodities supplies for Yemenis.

More so, the fishing industry would be affected in the region and could take years to recover.

Marine life, beaches and shores in Yemen’s neighboring Saudi Kingdom would also be affected. Toxic gases emitted from a potential explosion in addition to an oil spill could harm acres of agricultural land in both Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

This could lead to the internal displacement of persons in affected agricultural areas.

Al-Mouallimi said that the Security Council had previously stressed in its resolution 2511 (2020) and its press statement issued on June 29 the necessity to confront the danger associated with this situation and warned of the dire consequences that may result if this matter remains unresolved.



Mohammed bin Salman, Rubio Discuss Regional, Int’l Developments

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 10, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 10, 2025. (SPA)
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Mohammed bin Salman, Rubio Discuss Regional, Int’l Developments

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 10, 2025. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 10, 2025. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received in Jeddah on Monday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for talks on regional and international developments and efforts exerted towards achieving security and stability.

The officials also discussed bilateral relations between their countries and opportunities to develop them in various fields.

In a statement, the US State Department said they discussed Syria and ways to promote a stable government.

“The leaders discussed Yemen and threats to navigation from Houthi terrorists”, as well as reconstruction in Gaza, it added.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz at the meeting in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)

Rubio thanked Crown Prince Mohammed for once again hosting the United States in talks to help resolve the Ukraine war and secure a lasting peace.

Rubio had arrived in Jeddah earlier on Monday on the eve of talks between American and Ukrainian officials over the war on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Jeddah earlier and he and Rubio did not meet.

US President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in weeks.

Zelenskyy has said his team meeting Rubio on Tuesday will include his chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Rubio will lead the US team, which includes Waltz and Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.