Qatari Gas Tanker Faces Explosion Risk After Iranian Missile Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The Qatari gas tanker Al-Raqaiat was struck by Iranian missiles overnight in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire in its engine room that threatens to trigger an explosion, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday. The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported two additional incidents in the area: one tanker was hit by an unidentified object and possibly damaged, and another vessel was reportedly struck by a drone.

Iran launched the missile attacks against vessels transiting the strategic waterway, hitting both the Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi oil tanker. The Qatari tanker sustained damage on its port side, sent distress signals, and requested assistance. Bloomberg highlighted that these attacks underscore ongoing risks to maritime traffic in the Strait despite a recent US-Iran memorandum aimed at safer passage.

Since the memorandum, at least four commercial ships, including the two tankers hit overnight, have been attacked or damaged. Axios reported that the US is considering retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets in response to the attacks. The missile strikes followed talks last week in Qatar between the US and Iran, which reportedly failed to produce a breakthrough toward a permanent agreement.

Despite the stalled negotiations, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about progress in dismantling Iran's nuclear program. However, talks have paused recently after Washington agreed to a temporary ceasefire during the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, rallies in Tehran and other cities called for revenge against the US and Israel.