Qatar on Tuesday summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador and lodged a formal protest after a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was targeted near the Strait of Hormuz. Doha said the incident was an unacceptable
attack on maritime safety and held Iran responsible for the strike.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the LNG tanker Al-Rekayyat was targeted while passing near the strategic waterway off the coast of Oman. Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Qatar “holds Iran fully legally responsible” for the attack and any resulting damage or consequences.
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Qatar Calls Attack A Threat To Maritime Safety
Al Ansari said the targeting of the Qatari vessel was a serious threat to international maritime navigation and global energy supplies.
“The targeting of the Qatari vessel ‘Al-Rekayyat’ while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security & safety of international maritime navigation,” Al Ansari said in a post on X.
The targeting of the Qatari vessel “Al-Rekayyat” while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security & safety of international maritime navigation, the security of global energy supplies, & a grave & explicit violation of international…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) July 7, 2026
“We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all practices that undermine regional security or threaten the safety of international maritime navigation, & refrain from endangering global energy supplies & the resources of the countries of the region in pursuit of narrow interests,” the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson added.
The incident came after maritime monitors reported that three vessels, including the Qatari LNG tanker, were hit within hours in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said an unknown projectile hit one tanker, causing a fire, while another vessel was reportedly struck by a drone.
All three incidents took place near Oman.
The attacks took place despite a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran after weeks of conflict in West Asia. The future management of the waterway has remained a major issue in talks between Tehran and Washington.
Qatar, which has played a role in mediation efforts between Iran and the US, said regional security and freedom of navigation must be protected. Doha has also hosted indirect talks between the two countries in recent weeks as efforts continue to reduce tensions.
(With inputs from agencies)
