'Projectiles' hit Strait of Hormuz tankers, as US revokes Iran oil licence

Overview

Three tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel, according to reports from maritime monitors and Qatar's government. The attacks occurred within hours of each other, near the coast of Oman, and have drawn sharp condemnation from Doha, which has summoned Iran's deputy ambassador. Separately, the United States revoked a licence that had authorised Iranian oil sales, adding to the diplomatic fallout.

The Attacks and Immediate Response

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) reported that an "unknown projectile" hit a tanker overnight, causing a fire, before two more vessels were struck, at least one by a drone. According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), the British military said three tankers were struck, with one hit in the engine room while exiting the strait near the Omani-Emirati border, sparking a fire. The crew was evacuated from that vessel, which sustained significant damage.

Qatar identified the LNG tanker as the Al-Rekayyat, and its foreign ministry announced that it had summoned Iranian Deputy Ambassador Mohsen Mohammad Qanei to hand him a note of protest. The ministry said the attack constituted a "serious violation of the safety of international navigation" and a "clear violation of the norms of international law," also presenting a threat to global energy supplies. Doha demanded that Tehran cease actions undermining regional stability and provide immediate clarifications.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, issued strong statements on social media, describing the attack as "an unacceptable attack on the security and safety of international maritime navigation" and stating that Qatar held Iran "fully legally responsible" for the attack and any resulting damages. The ministry also reserved the right to take all necessary measures to defend its interests under international law.

Iran's Position and the Broader Context

Iran has not directly claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to reporting from the AP. However, Iranian state television reported that the LNG tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings, and Iran's foreign ministry blamed the United States for the incident, accusing Washington of breaching a memorandum of understanding by seeking to open new shipping routes.

Iranian officials insisted that Tehran has the right to impose fees on ships using the Strait of Hormuz, which is a central issue in ongoing negotiations with the United States. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman argued that "securing the strait for navigation for safe passage is itself a service," setting terms that are likely to be rejected by Oman and western shipping interests.

The attacks come after a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in late February. The future of the strait, a key route for Gulf energy exports, has been a sticking point in talks to permanently end the conflict. Oman had proposed a temporary transit corridor hugging its coastline, an initiative opposed by Iran.

Security experts suggest Iran is sending a clear signal that it will not accept alternatives to its toll system. Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, was quoted by AFP as saying, "Iran is sending a clear signal that no alternative will be accepted."

The new assaults were the most in a single day since late April, according to figures from the UN International Maritime Organization, and threatened to disrupt the flow of traffic in the strait just as countries hoped to restore normal shipping practices.

Perspectives

Qatar's Official Position – Qatar's government, acting as a mediator in the conflict, condemned the attack as a violation of international law and demanded Iran cease such actions. It has reserved the right to defend its interests and holds Iran fully legally responsible.

Iran's Government – Iran has not claimed responsibility but has blamed the US for escalating tensions by proposing new routes. Tehran maintains its right to manage the strait and impose fees on vessels, arguing that providing safe passage is itself a service.

US Treasury Department – The US revoked a 60-day licence that had authorised Iranian oil sales, issued as part of an interim agreement. The move came hours after the attacks, though neither Treasury officials nor Iran's UN mission responded to requests for comment.