3 ships hit in Strait of Hormuz in 24 hours; Qatar blames Iran over tanker attack

Three tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz within the past 24 hours, according to the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), raising fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy shipping lanes.

The latest incident involved a tanker struck by an unidentified drone while transiting the Strait. UKMTO said the vessel sustained only minor structural damage, with no casualties or environmental impact reported.

Earlier, two other tankers were hit off the coast of Oman. One reportedly suffered structural damage, while another caught fire following the attack.

The latest escalation came after Qatar accused Iran of targeting its liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, Al Rekayyat. Iranian state television claimed the vessel came under attack after ignoring warnings but stopped short of officially claiming responsibility.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari condemned the attack as an “unacceptable assault” on international navigation and global energy security, calling it a “serious and explicit violation” of international law.

Iran under suspicion

Iran has repeatedly insisted that ships should use only routes approved by Tehran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Western officials suspect Iran has previously targeted vessels that chose alternative routes closer to Oman’s coastline.

The attacks come as the United States seeks to revive negotiations with Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme, and securing a lasting end to the conflict that began on February 28. Previous attacks in the waterway have triggered US retaliatory strikes, followed by Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade during peacetime.

US-Iran talks remain stalled

Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear to be on hold until after the burial of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier in the conflict. During funeral ceremonies, mourners chanted slogans calling for the death of US President Donald Trump.

Khamenei’s body was flown to the holy city of Qom on Tuesday, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects.