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DOHA: Strait of Hormuz shipping activity is set to increase after Qatar announced it will fully resume maritime navigation for all types of vessels from Sunday, ending a two-week suspension imposed amid heightened security tensions in the Gulf.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport confirmed the decision in a statement, urging all shipping companies and maritime operators to comply with safety regulations and navigation instructions to ensure secure sea voyages.
The ministry suspended maritime traffic on July 12 following regional security concerns. It had earlier halted operations on June 29 before partially restoring navigation on July 5.
The suspension came during heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, when several international shipping companies kept vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz because of security risks.
Iran said it had made progress in talks with Oman on mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Iranian and Omani officials held several rounds of discussions in Tehran and exchanged proposals on operational procedures aimed at maintaining maritime safety.
He described the negotiations as productive and said technical and political consultations between the two countries would continue.
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Despite Qatar’s decision to reopen maritime navigation, tensions remain high across the region.
Iranian military spokesperson General Abolfazl Shekarchi claimed the United States had failed to achieve its objectives in the Strait of Hormuz and suggested Washington was reassessing its military strategy.
An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson also warned that countries supporting US military operations against Iran could become legitimate military targets, specifically mentioning the United Kingdom and Gulf states.
Kuwait denied reports that it participated in military operations against Iran.
According to the Kuwait News Agency, the country’s ambassador to the United States dismissed claims that Kuwait allowed its territory, airspace or territorial waters to be used for attacks on Iran, calling the allegations baseless.
Kuwait also condemned recent Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, including an attack on the Saudi vessel NCC MASA.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry described the assault as a violation of international law and reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia in protecting maritime security and international trade routes.
Reports by The New York Times and Axios said US President Donald Trump has paused plans for additional strikes on Iran after 13 consecutive days of military operations.
According to the reports, the decision reflects concerns over military resources and provides additional space for diplomatic efforts, although US officials continue to prepare contingency plans if hostilities escalate again.
Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its naval blockade against Iran remains in effect.
CENTCOM stated that US forces have redirected or intercepted several commercial vessels suspected of attempting to breach the blockade and continue to monitor maritime traffic in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
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[…] Strait of Hormuz: Qatar Resumes Full Maritime Navigation as Gulf Tensions Ease […]