GCC strongly condemns Iran attack on Qatari tanker in Hormuz

Doha, Qatar – Three commercial tankers, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel from Qatar, were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Qatar to denounce the incident as an "unacceptable" Iranian attack. Maritime monitors reported the attacks occurred within hours of each other on Tuesday.

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The targeting of the Qatari vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security and safety of international maritime navigation.

An "unknown projectile" hit one tanker overnight, causing a fire, followed by two more vessels being struck, at least one by a drone, according to the British maritime security agency UKMTO. These attacks, the first in over a week, have reignited concerns about the safety of international maritime navigation in the crucial waterway.

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We hold Iran fully legally responsible for this attack and for any resulting damages or repercussions.

Qatar, a peace mediator, has formally blamed Iran for the attack on its tanker, the 'Al-Rekayyat'. Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, stated on X that "The targeting of the Qatari vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security and safety of international maritime navigation." He added, "We hold Iran fully legally responsible for this attack and for any resulting damages or repercussions."

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Iran is sending a clear signal that no alternative will be accepted.

Security experts interpret the strikes as a deliberate signal from Iran. Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, told AFP that Iran is asserting its control over the Strait of Hormuz, the primary route for Gulf energy exports. "Iran is sending a clear signal that no alternative will be accepted," Krieg said, suggesting that tankers attempting to use alternative routes, such as an Omani maritime corridor, without Iranian authorization would face consequences. He characterized the attacks as a "clear violation" of a recent ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and international law.

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Tankers trying to diverge through the Omani maritime corridor without registering with the Iranian authority will be punished.