Qatar Restores Full Maritime Traffic in Strait of Hormuz

Qatar’s Ministry of Transport announced that maritime activities have resumed fully for all vessels, including LNG carriers departing from the Ras Laffan terminal, the world’s largest LNG export hub. The suspension, which lasted about a week, ended as ships began to navigate the Strait of Hormuz again, some using the Omani route while others follow Iranian‑designated paths. Iran continues to press for vessels to use its prescribed corridors, whereas the United States maintains support for the Omani route.

The resumption follows a recent drone strike on a commercial ship in Qatari waters that caused a limited fire but no injuries. The move aims to restart Qatar’s LNG exports quickly and reflects broader regional negotiations, including a U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding reached in June to reopen the strait and ease related maritime restrictions.