DOHA, QATAR May 4, 2026 – The State of Qatar has strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack that targeted an Emirati oil tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, Qatar described the incident — in which two drones struck the empty crude oil tanker Barakah — as “a blatant violation of international law and the principle of freedom of maritime navigation,” as well as “a flagrant breach” of UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
No injuries were reported in the attack.
The ministry reiterated Qatar’s categorical rejection of any use of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure or economic coercion. It called for the strait’s unconditional reopening, stressing that “freedom of navigation in this vital waterway is a firmly established principle that must not be compromised.”
“The continued closure of the Strait would jeopardize the vital interests of countries in the region,” the statement warned.
Qatar further urged an immediate halt to “unjustified Iranian attacks on the property of fraternal states” and expressed full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates. The ministry affirmed its support for “all measures” the UAE may take to safeguard its assets and national interests.
The UAE has separately condemned the strike as an act of “terrorism” and “piracy” by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, describing it as a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security.
UN Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted on March 11, 2026, explicitly condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states and any obstruction of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and recent disruptions have raised concerns over energy markets and maritime safety in the Gulf.
Qatar’s statement underscores growing Gulf unity in response to the incident and highlights the broader implications for international shipping and regional security.
About The Author
