Qatar recommends suspending maritime activity amid US-Iran tensions

Qatar has advised the suspension of all maritime activity until further notice, citing heightened regional tensions stemming from recent confrontations between the United States and Iran. The Ministry of Transport issued the recommendation for users and owners of all types of vessels.

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Any type of maritime activity until further notice.

The advisory specifically exempts ships operating in accordance with international maritime conventions and regulations. The ministry stated that the measure was taken in coordination with relevant security agencies, and any updates will be communicated through official channels.

This recommendation comes in the wake of Iran's attack on two vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz last Thursday, followed by U.S. retaliatory strikes against Iranian territory over the weekend. Tehran responded to the U.S. offensive by launching missiles and drones toward allies Bahrain and Kuwait, though no casualties or significant damage were reported.

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Vessels subject to the provisions of international maritime conventions, and operating in accordance with current rules and procedures.

Adding to the regional unease, Qatar's Interior Ministry reported the death of a Qatari citizen from shrapnel injuries sustained on a vessel that had been missing since Saturday. While authorities did not identify the perpetrators, the cumulative effect of these incidents, coupled with disagreements over shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz and military actions in Lebanon, has heightened concerns about a potential escalation.

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In coordination with the relevant security agencies.