Third tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz; Qatar blames Iran

Tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz as a third commercial tanker sustained damage within a 24-hour period, intensifying worries about the security of a vital global energy corridor. The latest incident occurred as Qatar explicitly accused Iran of attacking one of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, described the targeting of the Qatari vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' as 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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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.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the most recent tanker was hit by an unidentified uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), resulting in minor structural damage. No casualties or environmental impact were reported. This follows two earlier incidents where tankers were struck by unknown projectiles, one of which triggered a fire.

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

These attacks represent the most significant disruption in the Strait of Hormuz since a fragile ceasefire with the United States. The narrow shipping lane normally carries about one-fifth of the world's traded oil and LNG. Iran has not officially claimed responsibility, though state television reported an LNG tanker was attacked after ignoring warnings from Tehran.

The incidents occurred near the Omani coastline, where Oman has proposed a temporary maritime transit corridor. Iran, however, insists commercial vessels use routes it approves and has suggested imposing charges for passage through the strategic waterway.

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UKMTO has received a report of a further incident involving a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was struck by an unknown Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and has sustained minor structural damage. No casualties or environmental impact reported.