The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Al Mayeda was struck by "unidentified objects" while sailing in the Gulf on Friday evening. Its owner, the Qatar Gas Transport Company, disclosed the attack in a statement on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported.
The company said none of the crew was injured and no environmental damage was reported. Its statement, published by the Qatar Stock Exchange, said the vessel is in a "safe condition, operational". The company is still assessing the impact of the incident. It provides towage and marine support services to Qatari ports and terminals.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in a post on X. It called the strike a dangerous act that threatens the safety of shipping and the security of global energy supplies. The ministry also warned that such "reckless and irresponsible practices" could have repercussions across the region.
The ministry said investigators are working to establish what happened and who was responsible. It added that Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its property and interests.
The strike is the latest attack on commercial shipping since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February. Data from the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations show that more than 120 commercial ships have been hit since then. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the war. It has repeatedly warned that vessels crossing the waterway without its permission would face "destruction".
Al Jazeera reported that attacks have increased since the United States reimposed a blockade on Iran's southern ports in July. At least 29 ships were hit in October, making it the worst month of the war. It came ahead of March, when 20 attacks were recorded.