Araghchi holds calls with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia amid US-Iran attacks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone calls with his Turkish and Saudi counterparts on Saturday as military tensions between Tehran and Washington intensified around the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss bilateral issues, regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the region, according to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB. The calls came hours after US and Iranian forces exchanged attacks on vessels in waters around Iran, raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. According to IRIB, Araghchi and his counterparts discussed the latest diplomatic efforts to establish regional stability and address what Tehran described as insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz caused by US actions. The Iranian foreign minister's outreach to Ankara and Riyadh comes as regional tensions threaten to further disrupt energy supplies and increase the risk of a wider confrontation. US, Iran exchange attacks on vessels US Central Command said American forces struck three Iranian vessels on Saturday, including one near Kharg Island, Iran's major oil export hub. The strikes followed what the US military said was an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships. 'Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours,' US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said. The IRGC subsequently threatened further attacks against US military vessels and said its forces had targeted three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as three US-linked vessels in other locations. The Iranian military warned vessels against what it described as unauthorised or suspicious movements through the waterway. No US personnel were reported injured in the attacks. Iranian semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that four US missiles struck a tanker near the anchorage off Kharg Island. It said there were no casualties and the vessel's crew was being evacuated. IRGC claims attack on US drone boat Earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its naval forces had attacked a remotely operated US drone boat that it claimed was attempting to enter a protected area of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said the strategic waterway was under Iran's control and warned that what it called hostile US actions would face a firm response. The claim came amid heightened military activity in and around the waterway, with both Tehran and Washington issuing warnings over the movement of vessels. Araghchi seeks diplomatic engagement Against the backdrop of the military escalation, Araghchi's calls with Fidan and Faisal indicate continued diplomatic engagement with two important regional powers. Türkiye has sought to maintain diplomatic channels with both Iran and other regional actors, while Saudi Arabia has a direct interest in preventing further escalation that could threaten Gulf security and energy supplies. The Iranian foreign ministry has not publicly disclosed detailed proposals discussed during the calls, but IRIB said the conversations focused on regional developments, bilateral matters and diplomatic efforts to restore stability. The discussions also centred on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supplies traditionally passes. Kharg Island raises fresh oil concerns The latest US strikes have heightened concerns over Iran's oil infrastructure, particularly Kharg Island. Iran exported around 90% of its crude through Kharg Island before the war, according to Reuters. Oil flows have already been disrupted following a US blockade of Iranian oil exports that began in mid-April. US President Donald Trump has previously threatened action against Kharg Island. On August 31, he posted an AI-generated video depicting the island being destroyed, prompting Iranian authorities to warn of a strong response if the facility were attacked. The prospect of further attacks on Kharg could place additional pressure on Iran's oil industry and the wider global energy market. Brent crude futures closed at $96.28 a barrel on Friday, their highest level since July 24, as concerns over Middle Eastern supply disruptions pushed prices higher. Strait of Hormuz at centre of crisis The Strait of Hormuz has become a central flashpoint in the escalating US-Iran confrontation. The waterway previously carried around one-fifth of the world's oil supply, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for global energy markets. With Iranian and US forces now exchanging attacks around the region, diplomatic efforts by countries such as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia could become increasingly important in preventing further escalation.