A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, Al Kharaitiyat, attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday night—marking Qatar’s first such export effort since Iran imposed a naval blockade on shipments from the region. The vessel, loaded at Ras Laffan and bound for Pakistan, moved through the strategic waterway despite repeated prior failures due to Iranian pressure. The same day, a commercial cargo ship traveling from Abu Dhabi was struck by a drone off the coast of Doha, sparking a brief fire. The Qatari Defense Ministry confirmed the incident, noting no injuries and that the vessel continued to its destination.

Iran has escalated its stance in response to international sanctions. Iranian lawmakers are drafting a bill to formalize control over the Strait of Hormuz, including provisions to block passage for vessels from 'hostile states'—a term widely interpreted as targeting nations complying with U.S. sanctions. Iranian Army Spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia reinforced this position, warning of difficulties for such ships. The Strait, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing regional conflict.

Global energy markets have reacted sharply. The International Energy Agency (IEA) called the disruption the largest in the history of the global oil market, as prolonged blockades contribute to supply shortages and rising prices. Qatar, one of the world’s top LNG suppliers, has faced repeated setbacks in its attempts to reroute exports, making this partial breakthrough a significant development. However, the drone attack on a separate vessel underscores the volatility of the region and the risks to maritime security.