ALBAWABA- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has attacked the Qatari-flagged tanker Al Rakayat near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation just one week after a ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect.
The vessel was reportedly transiting international waters near the strategic maritime chokepoint, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil shipments, when it came under attack. While details of the incident remain limited, the strike represents a direct assault on commercial shipping and a breach of the fragile truce.
Qatar strongly condemned the attack, describing it as "an unacceptable act of aggression against the security and safety of international navigation and global energy supplies."
In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the incident constituted "a serious and flagrant violation of international law," particularly the principles guaranteeing freedom of navigation and the safe passage of vessels through international waterways.
Doha called on Iran to immediately halt actions that threaten regional security, endanger international shipping, and jeopardize global energy supplies. It also held Tehran "fully legally responsible" for the attack and any resulting damage or consequences.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent military confrontations and ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The week-long truce had raised cautious hopes for de-escalation after weeks of escalating rhetoric and military exchanges.
Attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global energy markets, threaten civilian crews, and increase the risk of a broader regional confrontation. The latest incident underscores the continued vulnerability of one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.
