Two tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns over security in one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
The incidents came as large crowds gathered in the Iranian holy city of Qom to mourn slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Qatar Blames Iran for LNG Tanker Attack
Qatar accused Iran of attacking the Al Rekayyat, a large Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker.
According to reports, the vessel was hit overnight by a drone. The strike caused a fire in the ship’s engine room.
The crew was reported safe and was being evacuated. However, maritime security sources warned that the fire could put the LNG carrier at risk of explosion.
A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the Wedyan, was also damaged near the coast of Oman. The cause of that incident was not immediately clear.
Distress Call Reports Engine Room Fire
In a recorded radio call reviewed by Reuters, the captain of the Al Rekayyat said the vessel had been struck by a drone on the port side, near the top of the engine room.
The captain reported heavy smoke and an engine room fire. He also said the crew was unable to assess the full extent of the damage at the time.
Qatar Condemns Attack on Global Shipping
Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari described the incident as an unacceptable attack on international navigation and global energy supplies.
He also called it a clear violation of international law.
Al Ansari urged Iran to stop actions that threaten regional security and maritime traffic. He said Tehran carried full legal responsibility for the attack and any resulting damage.
There was no immediate comment from Iran, and no group claimed responsibility.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said early indications suggested that Iran had fired at two commercial vessels.
Another Tanker Hit While Crossing the Strait
A separate tanker was also struck by a drone later on Tuesday while moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the British navy-linked UKMTO, the vessel suffered minor damage but was still able to continue to its next port.
The attacks marked the first reported incidents in the strait since mourning for Khamenei began last week.
They also highlighted the fragile security situation for Gulf shipping, more than four months after the United States and Israel launched a war they said was aimed at stopping Iran from threatening its neighbors.
Huge Crowds Mourn Khamenei in Qom
In Iran, hundreds of thousands of mourners filled the streets of Qom as the country’s leadership used the funeral period to display unity and control.
Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, along with several family members.
His casket and those of his relatives were carried through the streets of the seminary city. Many mourners waved flags and banners comparing him to major Shi’ite martyrs.
Crowds chanted vows of revenge, while some carried anti-U.S. and anti-Trump placards.
A similar funeral procession had taken place in Tehran on Monday. Earlier prayer events also drew senior Iranian officials and foreign dignitaries.
Iranian authorities said Khamenei’s body would be taken to Shi’ite holy cities in Iraq before being returned to Iran for burial at a medieval shrine.
Trump Threatens Renewed Military Action
The war is currently paused under an interim peace agreement reached last month. The deal was designed to create a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent settlement.
However, indirect talks in Qatar ended last week without signs of major progress.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned again on Monday that Washington could restart military action if no deal is reached.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the U.S. would either make a deal or “finish the job.” He also threatened strikes against Iranian bridges and energy infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded by saying that final negotiations would not begin if threats continued.
In a post on X, he urged the U.S. to honor the interim ceasefire agreement.
NATO and Gulf States Discuss Maritime Security
At a NATO summit in Ankara, France and Britain were expected to present plans for a multinational maritime mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal was set to be discussed with NATO and Gulf Arab foreign ministers.
However, diplomats said Iran’s rejection of the plan made an agreement on the waterway unlikely.
Oil Prices Rise After Strait of Hormuz Incidents
Oil prices rose more than 2% on Tuesday after the tanker incidents.
Prices had recently returned close to prewar levels after last month’s interim deal allowed ships to resume sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest attacks renewed concerns that shipping disruptions could again threaten global energy supplies.
When the war began four months ago, Trump said his goals were to destroy Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, end its ability to threaten neighboring countries, and create conditions for Iranians to remove their leaders.
So far, those goals have not been achieved.
Washington says a permanent deal would stop what it describes as Iran’s path toward a nuclear weapon. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear bomb.
