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Qatar has strongly condemned a drone strike on a cargo vessel in its territorial waters, calling the incident a serious violation of international law and a dangerous escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. The attack took place Sunday near Mesaieed port as the ship traveled from Abu Dhabi through the Gulf region, increasing fears over maritime security and the stability of global energy markets.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the strike breached the principle of freedom of navigation and endangered regional stability. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the vessel resumed its journey after crews successfully controlled a small onboard fire. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed the incident, warning nearby ships to exercise extreme caution while crossing Gulf waters.
The latest attack comes as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to intensify following U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran earlier this year. Shipping traffic through the strategic waterway has been heavily disrupted, with dozens of vessels reportedly rerouted and several ships damaged since April. Rising instability in the Gulf has already pushed U.S. gasoline prices above $4.50 per gallon and raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions.
Kuwait also reported intercepting multiple hostile drones within its airspace on Sunday, though officials did not identify where the drones originated. Meanwhile, Iran’s senior military commander Ali Abdollahi warned that Tehran’s armed forces are prepared to launch a “swift, severe, and decisive” response to any further hostile actions from the United States or Israel.
Despite continued military tensions, diplomatic negotiations are ongoing. Qatar’s Prime Minister held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff as Washington awaits Iran’s response to a proposed ceasefire agreement aimed at formally ending hostilities in the region.
