A Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier was hit by “unidentified objects” while sailing in the Gulf on Friday evening, the Qatar Gas Transport Company said. The incident was the latest attack on commercial shipping since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February.
The strike struck the LNG carrier Al Mayeda, the company said in a statement on Sunday. None of the crew members was injured and no environmental damage was reported. The vessel is in a “safe condition, operational” and the impact is being assessed, the statement published by the Qatar Stock Exchange said.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the war and has repeatedly warned vessels attempting to pass without its permission would face “destruction”. The United States reimposed a blockade on Iran’s southern ports in July, since when attacks on commercial shipping have increased.
More than 120 commercial ships have been hit since the conflict began, according to data from the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations. October was the worst month of the war with at least 29 ships struck, ahead of the 20 attacks recorded in March.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The attack on a Qatari LNG carrier highlights the vulnerability of global energy shipping amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
- Disruption to Gulf shipping could affect natural gas supplies and global energy prices.
- October's record number of attacks suggests the conflict is intensifying at sea.
Background
The US-Israel war on Iran began in February 2026. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the war, a critical chokepoint for oil and gas shipments. The US reimposed a blockade on Iran's southern ports in July, leading to an increase in attacks on commercial vessels. More than 120 ships have been hit since the conflict started.
What to Watch
- Whether further attacks on Qatari or other LNG carriers disrupt gas exports to global markets.
- Any responses from US or allied naval forces to protect shipping in the Gulf.
- Iran's next moves as the blockade and attacks escalate.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedA Qatari LNG carrier was struck by “unidentified objects” in the Gulf.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “A Qatari tanker has been hit by “unidentified objects” while sailing in the Gulf”
- SupportedThe Qatar Gas Transport Company said the carrier was struck.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “A Qatari tanker has been hit by “unidentified objects” while sailing in the Gulf, the Qatar Gas Transport Company says”
- SupportedThe incident was the latest attack on commercial shipping since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “the latest attack on commercial shipping since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February.”
- SupportedNo crew members were injured in the attack.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “None of the crew members was injured”
- SupportedThe attack happened on Friday evening and struck the LNG carrier Al Mayeda.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “The attack on Friday evening struck the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Al Mayeda”
- SupportedThe company made the statement about the attack on Sunday.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “it said in a statement on Sunday.”
- SupportedNo environmental damage was reported.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “no environmental damage was reported”
- SupportedThe statement described the vessel as in a “safe condition, operational” and said the impact was being assessed.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “the vessel is currently in a “safe condition, operational” and that the impact of the incident is being assessed.”
- SupportedIran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the war and has repeatedly warned vessels trying to pass without its permission would face “destruction”.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “Iran, which closed the Strait of Hormuz early on in the war, has repeatedly warned vessels attempting to pass through the vital waterway without its permission would face “destruction”.”
- SupportedThe United States reimposed a blockade on Iran’s southern ports in July, and attacks on commercial shipping have increased since then.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “The attacks have increased since the United States reimposed a blockade on Iran’s southern ports in July.”
- SupportedMore than 120 commercial ships have been hit since the war began, according to data from the International Maritime Organization and UK Maritime Trade Operations.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “More than 120 commercial ships have been hit since the start of the war, according to data from the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations.”
- SupportedOctober was the war’s worst month, with at least 29 ships hit, compared with 20 attacks recorded in March.Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera: “With at least 29 ships hit, October was the worst month of the war, ahead of the 20 attacks recorded in March.”