A Saudi Aramco helicopter crashed near the Persian Gulf coast, killing all 14 onboard. The victims were Saudi nationals, according to the energy ministry. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
The crash site, Ras Tanura, is a crucial oil export hub that uses the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. Tensions in the region have escalated due to recent conflicts. Before these tensions, the strait handled around 20% of global oil and gas transit but is now under an Iranian blockade.
Saudi Arabia, the top oil exporter, has rerouted its transport to a pipeline leading to the Red Sea since the conflict began. This March, a fire caused by intercepted Iranian drone fragments led to partial closures at the Ras Tanura refinery. The facility has recently resumed loading crude oil.
Vivian Nereim from The Times provides coverage from Riyadh on events across the Arabian Peninsula.
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