Qatar Condemns Attack on its LNG Tanker
Qatar condemns attack on LNG tanker in Strait of Hormuz
The State of Qatar has issued a formal protest after one of its liquefied natural gas tankers came under attack while transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, describing the incident as "a serious violation of the safety of international navigation" and "a direct threat to the security of global energy supplies." In its official statement, Qatar expressed strong condemnation and denunciation of the targeting of the vessel Al Rekayyat as it passed near the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters.
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The attack was characterized by Qatar as "a clear and explicit breach of the rules of international law" in a diplomatic note delivered on Tuesday. The protest note was conveyed by H.E. Mr. Ibrahim bin Yousef Fakhro, Director of the Protocol Department at Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to Mr. Mohsen Mohammad Qanei, Deputy Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar. Mr. Qanei was summoned to ministry headquarters for the formal delivery of the memorandum during the afternoon session.
The memorandum included Qatar's categorical rejection of the attack and of what it represents, namely the undermining of international navigation security and the stability of the region. Qatar stated unequivocally that the incident threatens the free flow of commercial shipping through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, which handles approximately 21 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption daily.
The document called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease any practices that threaten regional security and to stop endangering international navigation and global energy supplies. Qatar emphasized its expectation that Tehran would provide urgent clarification regarding this targeting of a Qatari commercial vessel. Furthermore, the memorandum demanded that Iran take immediate measures to prevent its recurrence and fully comply with the relevant rules of international law governing maritime commerce and freedom of navigation.
In addition to its demands for accountability, the memorandum affirmed that the State of Qatar retains all its rights to take whatever measures it deems appropriate under international law to protect its interests and capabilities. This statement was interpreted by regional analysts as leaving open the possibility of further diplomatic, legal, or other actions should Iran fail to respond adequately to Qatar's concerns.
The Al Rekayyat, owned and managed by Nakilat (Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd), operates one of the world's largest LNG shipping fleets. According to maritime security reports, the tanker was struck approximately eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman. Multiple sources reported that the vessel received a hit on its port side at the top of the engine room, igniting a fire and filling the compartment with smoke. The ship's captain transmitted a Mayday distress call warning of the damage and the risk of explosion before sending out signals seeking assistance.
Security analysts identified the projectile as either a missile or drone strike. According to U.S. officials speaking to media outlets, Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting through the strait Monday night, following earlier warnings broadcast via maritime radio over the weekend. The incident marks the first time a Qatari LNG carrier has been struck since the Iran-U.S. conflict began in February 2024.
Qatar has served as a key mediator in talks between Washington and Tehran, making the attack on one of its vessels particularly significant for regional diplomatic efforts. The timing of the assault, coming amid heightened tensions and reported suspensions in negotiations, has raised questions about whether the incident could derail ongoing peace discussions.
In separate but related incidents, British military authorities confirmed that three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency announced that in addition to the Al Rekayyat attack, another vessel sustained minor damage from a drone strike but was able to proceed to its next port of call. These multiple incidents within a single day have renewed concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
Energy market analysts have begun tracking potential supply chain impacts from the escalating security situation. Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the strait have risen accordingly, and investors are closely monitoring the situation as shipping costs fluctuate. The incidents serve as a stark reminder that Gulf shipping remains unresolved more than four months after the start of the regional conflict.
The World Bank and other international financial institutions are reportedly preparing contingency assessments should disruptions to the strait become more frequent or prolonged. Qatar's foreign ministry has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation closely while coordinating with partner nations on shared security concerns in the Gulf region.