Three ships struck in Hormuz flare-up, Qatar slams Iranian attack

Three vessels, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier, suffered damage in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to maritime monitors and Qatar. Doha, a peace mediator, condemned the incident as an "unacceptable" Iranian attack.

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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.

Maritime security agency UKMTO reported that an "unknown projectile" struck one tanker overnight, sparking a fire, before two more vessels were hit, at least one by a drone. The attacks occurred near Oman, shortly after a period of calm in the region. This escalation has reignited fears regarding the safety of maritime navigation, particularly after Iran had previously lifted its blockade of the strait following a fragile ceasefire with the United States.

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

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed Al Ansari, stated on X that the targeting of the Qatari vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' was 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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We are now in a sensitive period where potential alternatives to an Iranian toll or fee system are being explored.

Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, interpreted the attacks as a deliberate message from Iran. "Iran is sending a clear signal that no alternative will be accepted," Krieg told AFP. "Tankers trying to diverge through the Omani maritime corridor without registering with the Iranian authority will be punished." He described the actions as a "clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement and international law.

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