DUBAI:  Saudi Arabia demanded swift action to secure Gulf energy supplies and joined the United States in blaming Iran for Thursday attacks on two oil tankers in a vital shipping route in Gulf of Oman. Iran has denied any role in the strikes on the tankers south of the Strait of Hormuz — a major transit route for oil from Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said there must be “a rapid and decisive response to the threat” to energy supplies, market stability and consumer confidence.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in an interview with Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, blamed Iran and exhorted the international community to take a “decisive stand” against the attacks. “The kingdom does not want a war in the region but it will not hesitate to deal with any threats to its people, its sovereignty, or its vital interests,” the crown prince said. (Agencies)