A Qatari tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) has reportedly transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first export from Qatar through this critical maritime route since the escalation of hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The vessel, Al Kharaitiyat, departed from the Ras Laffan export facility earlier this month and is currently located in the Gulf of Oman, according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
Tracking information suggests that the tanker likely followed a northern route approved by Tehran, circumventing the Iranian coastline. While this journey indicates a potential resumption of LNG flows, it remains significantly below pre-war levels, which averaged approximately three shipments per day from the Persian Gulf.
On May 9, Radio Free Europe reported, citing LSEG data, that a Qatari LNG tanker was en route to the Strait of Hormuz, departing from Ras Laffan for Pakistan. Although QatarEnergy has not provided immediate comments, this transit would signify the first successful passage of a Qatari tanker through the strategically important waterway since its effective closure following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
Reuters has reported, based on sources, that this maneuver was permitted by Tehran as part of efforts to build trust with Qatar and Pakistan, which is acting as an official mediator in the ongoing conflict. Control over the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point in peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with Iran resisting any relinquishment of its authority over the passage.
It has been reported that the reopening of the strait was included in the latest U.S. peace proposal to Iran, described as a one-page memorandum calling for a cessation of hostilities while deferring other critical issues, such as Iran’s uranium enrichment rights, for later discussion. Earlier the same day, Iranian leaders indicated they were considering the proposal. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that Tehran’s response would be a “serious proposal.”
The transit of a Qatari LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz marks a significant development in regional trade amidst ongoing tensions. This event may signal a cautious step towards restoring LNG exports from Qatar, which have been disrupted due to the conflict involving Iran.