DOHA (MNN); Three commercial tankers, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, were struck within hours of each other near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, prompting Qatar to accuse Iran of carrying out an “unacceptable” attack on international maritime navigation.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), an unidentified projectile struck a tanker overnight, sparking a fire. Two more vessels were later attacked, with at least one reportedly hit by a drone. All three incidents occurred in waters close to Oman.
The attacks have reignited concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes, just days after Iran lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following a fragile ceasefire with the United States.
Qatar confirmed that one of the targeted vessels was its LNG tanker Al-Rekayyat and strongly condemned the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari described the incident as an unacceptable assault on international maritime security and called on Tehran to halt any actions that threaten regional stability or freedom of navigation.
“We hold Iran fully legally responsible for this attack and for all resulting damages and consequences,” Al Ansari said in a statement.
The latest incidents come despite a ceasefire reached after the recent US-Iran conflict, which erupted following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran earlier this year. The future administration of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most contentious issues in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Security analyst Andreas Krieg of King’s College London said Iran appeared to be sending a clear message that it would reject any alternative shipping arrangements bypassing its authority.
“Iran is signaling that tankers using a proposed Omani maritime corridor without registering with Iranian authorities could face consequences,” he said, describing the attacks as a violation of both the ceasefire agreement and international law.
US news outlet Axios reported, citing unnamed American officials, that Iran fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels. However, the Pentagon did not immediately comment on the claim.
Although maritime traffic had gradually resumed after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at restoring navigation through the strategic waterway, Iran has maintained that the pre-war system allowing unrestricted passage would not return.
Under the 14-point US-Iran agreement, Iran and Oman are expected to consult with Gulf states to determine the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar, which played a key role in facilitating indirect talks between Iran and the United States, has recently intensified diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire and maintain stability in the Gulf.