Full Breakdown
Iran Approves First Qatari LNG Tanker Transit Through Hormuz Since War Began
5/10/2026, 5:01:38 AM
First Hormuz Transit Since War: Al Kharaitiyat Clearance
On 9 May 2026 Iran cleared the Qatari LNG carrier Al Kharaitiyat to pass the Strait of Hormuz. Departing Ras Laffan, the vessel heads for Port Qasim in Pakistan, first transit since war began.
Conflict Background and Recent Tensions
The Iran-U.S. clash began in February 2026, prompting Tehran to seal Hormuz. On 6 April, Revolutionary Guards halted Al Daayen and Rasheeda. Warships warned of a “Project Freedom Plus” operation.
Vessel Profile and Stakeholders
Al Kharaitiyat, a 211,986-cubic-metre LNG carrier flagged in the Marshall Islands, is run by Nakilat Shipping Qatar Ltd. QatarEnergy supplies the cargo; Pakistan seeks it to ease a severe gas shortage.
Timeline of Key Developments
- Feb 2026 – Iran-U.S. hostilities begin; Hormuz closed.
- 6 Apr 2026 – Revolutionary Guards halt Al Daayen and Rasheeda.
- 9 May 2026 – Al Kharaitiyat heads toward Hormuz; Iran grants passage, vessel follows route Qeshm and Larak islands.
Core Data and Statistics
Al Kharaitiyat carries 211,986 cubic metres of LNG. Qatar supplies 20 % of LNG but lost 17 % of capacity to Iranian attacks, with 12.8 million tonnes offline for 3-5 years. Pakistan’s deficit deepens.
Strategic Significance
The clearance offers Pakistan a short-term gas remedy and may ease global LNG price pressure. It also tests Iran’s willingness to permit limited traffic while retaining strategic leverage.
Official Statements and Responses
Iranian officials said approval aims to build confidence with Qatar and Pakistan. President Donald Trump warned US could revert to “Project Freedom Plus” if diplomacy stalls. Iran’s parliament drafts Hormuz framework.
Criticism and Opposition
The Revolutionary Guards’ April halts of Al Daayen and Rasheeda highlighted Tehran’s security concerns. U.S. forces have also blocked vessels, a stance critics say worsens regional energy flows.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Shipping data confirms Al Kharaitiyat’s approach, but no independent verification of a completed transit exists. AIS signals are often disabled near Hormuz, obscuring tracking and future passage numbers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Iran approved the passage of Qatari LNG tanker Al Kharaitiyat through the Strait of Hormuz, sources tell Reuters, after shipping data showed the tanker sailing toward the blockaded waterway earlier today.” — Reuters source
- “Iran's Revolutionary Guards halted two Qatar LNG tankers, Al Daayen and Rasheeda, that had been heading towards the Strait of Hormuz on April 6 and instructed them to hold position without explanation, a source told Reuters at the time.” — Reuters source
- “He said the US could revert to “Project Freedom Plus” if diplomatic progress fails to materialize, while Iran was yet to respond to his latest proposal.” if diplomatic progress fails to materialize.” — President Donald Trump
- “Qatar supplied nearly 1/5 of global LNG last year but has not been able to bring any LNG out of the Persian Gulf since the conflict began in late February.” — Laodong article
What’s Next
Al Kharaitiyat is expected to arrive at Port Qasim around 1 May. Pakistan hopes the cargo eases its deficit, while Iran and Qatar discuss additional limited transits.
