LNG tanker at risk of explosion after Iran drone attack in Hormuz

A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the MV Rekayyat, is at risk of explosion following a drone attack in the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime security sources. The incident occurred near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on July 7.

Qatar has strongly condemned the attack, holding Iran responsible for the incident. Majid Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the assault on the LNG carrier as an "unacceptable attack on international navigation safety" and a "clear violation of international law." He urged Iran to immediately cease actions threatening regional security and maritime navigation, stating that Tehran must bear full responsibility for the attack and its consequences.

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unacceptable attack on international navigation safety and a clear violation of international law.

In addition to the Qatari vessel, a Saudi-flagged supertanker, the WDAN, also sustained damage from the attack. U.S. government officials indicated that Iran appeared to have fired on both civilian vessels.

The incident occurred as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following the lifting of a 60-day blockade agreed upon in a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. Despite oil prices returning to pre-war levels, the attack caused a slight increase of about 1% in oil prices on the day of the incident.

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Iran must immediately cease actions threatening regional security and maritime navigation, and Tehran must bear full responsibility for this attack and all its consequences.