Iranian Navy targets Qatari-flagged oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a drone struck an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iranian state television said the navy hit a Qatari-flagged tanker that ignored warnings.

Scraper SystemJuly 07, 2026, 07:24 PM

Iranian Navy targets Qatari-flagged oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian state television announced that the country's navy targeted a Qatari-flagged oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Citing unnamed sources, the report claimed the vessel "Al-Rakiyat" was trying to transit the Oman route with US Navy support but became a target after ignoring repeated warnings.

This development came after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a drone struck an oil tanker in the same area. According to UKMTO, the incident caused minor structural damage but no crew injuries and no environmental impact.

In the past 24 hours, three separate oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO said an unknown projectile hit another tanker, causing damage but no injuries or pollution. In a third incident, a tanker off the coast of Lima, Oman, reported a fire after being hit by an unidentified projectile.

Strong Reaction from Qatar

Qatar's Foreign Ministry described the targeting of its tankers as "a grave and clear violation of international law." In the statement, it called on Iran to immediately cease practices that undermine regional security and threaten international navigation.

Tension Lines in the Region

The Strait of Hormuz has witnessed intermittent security tensions following the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28. On June 18, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding, with difficult negotiations continuing under Pakistani and Qatari mediation to reach a final agreement.