K-Points

A Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi vessel have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz: Media

A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were struck near the Strait of Hormuz. The Qatari vessel sustained significant damage after being hit while transiting on the Omani side of the strait. The Saudi tanker was also damaged near the coast of Oman. Iran has warned that all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must use the designated routes established by the PGSA ( Persian Gulf Strait Authority). Furthermore, Tehran emphasized that it cannot guarantee the safety of vessels that do not comply with the PGSA's guidelines. This incident marks the first time a Qatari LNG tanker has been hit since the conflict in the region escalated earlier this year.

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the strike on the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat in the Strait of Hormuz as an "unacceptable attack" on international navigation and global energy security. He further condemned it as a "serious and explicit violation" of international law.

In a post on X, Al-Ansari stated that Qatar holds Iran "fully legally responsible" for the assault.

While Iranian state television reported that the LNG tanker was struck after "ignoring repeated warnings," it stopped short of directly claiming responsibility for the attack.