A helicopter operated by Saudi Aramco, the Saudi state oil company, crashed along the Persian Gulf coast on Sunday. All 14 people on board, who were Saudi nationals, lost their lives. The Saudi energy ministry stated that an investigation into the crash was underway.

The crash site, Ras Tanura, is a key oil refinery and port, crucial for Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. This facility plays a vital role, as the kingdom uses it to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Before recent conflicts, the strait managed roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. However, increased tensions have led to Iran effectively blocking this passage.

Since the conflict began in late February, Saudi Arabia has adjusted its oil export routes. The country now uses an overland pipeline that connects to the Red Sea’s coast. This change came after disruptions, including a fire partially closing the Ras Tanura refinery in March. The fire occurred due to Iranian drones, which were intercepted, resulting in falling fragments that caused damage.

While recent tensions have risen between the United States, Iran, and indirectly involving Israel, there is no evidence linking these events to the helicopter crash. Saudi Arabia recently resumed loading crude oil at Ras Tanura, reinstating its operations after disruptions.

Vivian Nereim, reporting for The Times, provides coverage of the Arabian Peninsula from her base in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.