Iranian state television reported, quoting the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) that the tanker, identified as the Suezmax ‘Sabiti’, was set ablaze, suffered heavy damage and was leaking crude about 60 miles from Jeddah.
According to Reuters, the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which operates in the region, said it was aware of media reports about the tanker, but did not have any further information at this time (Friday morning UK time).
There was also no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s television channel reported that two of its tanks were damaged.
Oil prices immediately jumped 2% after reports of the attack, with benchmark Brent and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rising more than $1 a barrel.
Refinitiv ship tracking data gave the ‘Sabiti’s’ last reported position on 14th August as off the southern coast of Iran in the Gulf.
Iran’s Nour news agency, which is close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, said the crew was safe.