Two tankers struck near Strait of Hormuz; Qatar, Saudi Arabia blame Iran

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have blamed Iran for strikes on two tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday and lodged formal protests against Tehran.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires on Tuesday and delivered a protest note demanding an explanation. The ministry warned Iran to "immediately cease all actions that undermine regional security and refrain from acts that threaten the stability of international maritime shipping and global energy supply."

The protest came after the Qatari-flagged liquefied natural gas carrier Al-Rekayat was hit in a missile strike near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday night. The vessel suffered an engine-room fire, raising the risk of an explosion.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari called the attack on the Al-Rekayat "an unacceptable assault on the security of international navigation and global energy supply, and a clear violation of international law," and urged Iran to "immediately stop actions that threaten regional security and maritime navigation." Al-Ansari added that "Iran bears full legal responsibility for this attack and all resulting damage and consequences."

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry also issued a statement condemning the attack on its tanker and said Iran must stop threatening international maritime navigation and global energy supply. The Saudi supertanker Wediyan was also struck Tuesday night.

"Iran bears full responsibility for this attack and its repercussions," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, directly blaming Tehran for the strike on the Wediyan.

Iran denied involvement while insisting that vessels must follow routes it designates to safely transit the strait. State news agency IRNA reported that Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called Qatar's accusation "embarrassing and contrary to the principles of good-neighborly relations," saying such conduct was "unacceptable."

Baghaei said using routes not coordinated with Iran or tampering with vessel tracking systems "is dangerous and undermines Iran's efforts to promote safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz." He added that Iran "is faithfully fulfilling its obligations under the memorandum of understanding governing management of the strait."

The central lane through the Strait of Hormuz has been rendered impassable by mines Iran laid there. Ships seeking to avoid the mines must hug either the Iranian or Omani coastline. Since a ceasefire-era MOU was signed, most vessels have chosen the Omani-side route, which the US military guides and monitors. Iran has objected to this arrangement, insisting ships must follow its own designated route for safe passage.

Baghaei also urged regional states and shipping companies Tuesday to "refrain from actions that violate the MOU" and to follow Iran's guidance.