A Qatari LNG tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz
The Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a new incident amid negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding maritime security.
According to UK Maritime Trade Operations, the vessel caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile near the entrance to the strait off the coast of Oman. Sources report that the tanker is owned by QatarEnergy and was carrying liquefied natural gas.
It is also reported that another vessel was struck that same night. Preliminary data suggests it may have been a Saudi oil tanker, though this information is still being verified.
A U.S. official told Axios that Iran fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran has not officially confirmed this.
Following the incident, the Qatari LNG tanker Al Areesh, which was heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, changed course, and Pakistan began seeking guarantees of safe passage for Qatari liquefied natural gas shipments.
Source: Financial Times.
As a reminder, the United States and Oman are seeking a compromise with Tehran regarding the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington is prepared to unfreeze approximately $100 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for Iran relinquishing control over shipping in the strait.
Most American voters believe that Donald Trump’s war in Iran was not worth the cost. A nationwide poll showed that 58% of registered voters share this view regarding the appropriateness of the funds allocated. This is according to a study by Focaldata.
