Hormuz Tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate during Iran mourning

Two commercial tankers came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns about security along one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes.

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A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, Al Rekayyat, caught fire after a drone struck its engine room overnight. Qatar blamed Iran for the attack. It said the incident threatened international shipping and global energy supplies.

The crew remained safe and began evacuation procedures. Maritime security sources told Reuters the fire could trigger an explosion if it spread further.

A Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the Wedyan, also suffered damage off Oman’s coast. However, officials did not immediately confirm what caused the incident.

A radio message reviewed by Reuters captured the captain of Al Rekayyat reporting the drone strike. He said flames had engulfed the engine room. He also reported heavy smoke and said the crew could not assess the full extent of the damage.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari condemned the attack. He described it as a violation of international law. He also urged Iran to stop actions that threaten regional security and freedom of navigation.

Iran did not immediately respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, a US official said initial assessments suggested Iranian forces had targeted the two commercial vessels.

The attacks came as Iran continued mourning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during the conflict with Israel and the United States.

Thousands of mourners gathered in the holy city of Qom on Tuesday. They carried flags and banners as funeral ceremonies continued for the late leader.

The ceremonies followed a massive procession in Tehran on Monday. Iranian authorities plan to take Khamenei’s remains to the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before returning the body to Iran for burial.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump renewed pressure on Tehran. He warned that Washington would either secure a permanent agreement or resume military action.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected the warning. He said negotiations could not begin while threats continued. He also urged the United States to honour the interim ceasefire agreement.

Oil prices rose about 1% after reports of the attacks. Traders reacted to renewed concerns over the security of energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.