Qatari LNG ship hit in Persian Gulf as Iran seeks US rationality

A Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier came under fire in the Persian Gulf Friday night, according to the shipping company that owns the vessel. Qatar Gas Transport Co., known as Nakilat, confirmed that the Al Mayeda was hit by unidentified objects.

The company reported that the ship sustained damage but remained operational. No crew members were injured, and the statement noted there was no environmental impact from the incident. The vessel continued its operations following the strike.

Nakilat did not identify the entity that fired the objects. Iran has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on ships in the region and has warned against vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Qatar's foreign ministry condemned the attack on Sunday and said authorities were investigating the incident. The ministry stated that such attacks risk damaging the environment and marine life.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to all-out war are ongoing in Qatar. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's top diplomat, said on Saturday that Iranian negotiators are in Qatar discussing a proposal. He stated that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within two days if the United States meets several conditions.

Araghchi said in an interview shared on his Telegram channel that Iran hopes the U.S. will choose diplomacy over other paths. He described Iran as ready for both defense and diplomacy, depending on Washington's rationality. He added that no direct talks are being held with the U.S. at this time.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed eight people on Sunday. Five people died in a strike in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Three people died in a strike in Gaza City, including a four-year-old boy, according to Shifa Hospital. A woman was also seriously wounded in the Gaza City strike.

The Israeli military said it struck several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas militant in northern Gaza. A ceasefire signed in October 2025 has largely halted major fighting, but near-daily strikes have continued. Gaza's Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, said more than 1,570 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began. This brings the war's overall death toll to more than 74,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants. Israel says the strikes target militants and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida's medical school. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel said the rebels blamed Saudi Arabia for the strikes. There was no immediate word on casualties. The Saudi-led coalition said it carried out a precision operation. Hodeida has come under repeated attack since fighting escalated between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.

The United Nations called for an investigation into the death of a staffer with its human rights office. Mohammad el Shami had been held since June 2024. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Houthis never provided information on his well-being or proof of life despite repeated requests. He was the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody. A World Food Program worker died in Houthi custody in February 2025.

Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations. State-run news agency IRNA reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry also declared the MI6 foreign intelligence service a hostile entity. The ministry accused the United Kingdom of participating in U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran by providing military bases and logistical support. The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law.