Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei rejected Qatar's accusation against Iran regarding the alleged attack on a Qatar-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, describing the allegation as questionable and unacceptable, contrary to the principle of good neighborliness.
Referring to Clause 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Termination of the War, dated June 18, 2026, which commits Iran to taking necessary measures for the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz and the provision of maritime services, Baghaei stressed that Iran is seriously implementing its commitments.
He added that Iran expects countries in the region -- particularly Qatar, which, in its role as mediator, is fully aware of the details of the Memorandum of Understanding -- as well as shipping companies, to refrain from any actions that would be inconsistent with the provisions of the agreement.
Baghaei also noted that the conduct of certain commercial vessels that have been navigating through routes not coordinated with Iran while switching off or manipulating their ship tracking or Automatic Identification System signals in order to conceal their movements from monitoring and maritime safety systems increases the risk of collisions, creates environmental hazards, undermines the security of the shipping route, and disrupts Iran's efforts to facilitate safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar on Tuesday condemned an Iranian attack on Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatar summoning Iran's deputy ambassador in Doha over the incident.
The Foreign Ministry of Qatar issued a statement, saying it has delivered a protest note to the Iranian deputy ambassador to Qatar, in which it urged Tehran to provide urgent clarifications, take immediate measures to prevent recurrence, and fully comply with international law.
The ministry stressed that this attack amounts to a grave violation of the safety of international navigation, a direct threat to global energy supply security, and a clear and flagrant breach of international law.
Iran rejects Qatar's accusation over alleged vessel attack in Strait of Hormuz
