First Qatari LNG Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz Since Start of War

The LNG tanker Al Kharaitiyat successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, May 10, marking the first export of liquefied natural gas from Qatar since the conflict began in late February. According to ship-tracking data, the vessel departed from the Ras Laffan plant and followed a northern route along the Iranian coast, a path reportedly approved by Tehran to build confidence during ongoing peace negotiations. The shipment is destined for Pakistan – a key mediator in the conflict – under a government-to-government deal intended to address Islamabad’s urgent fuel shortages. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The Iran-flagged tugboat Basim sails near a ship anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. (Photo by Amirhossein KHORGOOEI / ISNA / AFP) / Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google A major milestone in the regional energy crisis was reached on Sunday, May 10, as the first Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of hostilities between the US , Israel , and Iran , Bloomberg reported. The tanker Al Kharaitiyat, managed by Nakilat Shipping Qatar Ltd, departed from the Ras Laffan export facility earlier this month. Tracking data shows the vessel has now entered the Gulf of Oman and is en route to Port Qasim in Pakistan . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The successful passage was not a result of a broken blockade, but rather a coordinated diplomatic effort. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Iran granted specific approval for this vessel to build trust with Pakistan, which has played a central role in mediating ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran. The ship utilized a “northern route” hugging the Iranian coastline, a corridor recently designated and regulated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The LNG is being supplied under a direct government-to-government agreement to help Islamabad manage a severe domestic gas shortage caused by the maritime standoff. The effective closure of the waterway since March has paralyzed nearly one-fifth of the world’s LNG supply, causing price spikes and energy deficits across Asia. Before the war, the Persian Gulf typically saw three LNG shipments per day; the transit of Al Kharaitiyat is the first successful exit after several previous attempts by Qatari tankers were forced to turn back due to security threats. Other Topics of Interest US Officials and Qatar Prime Minister Hold Urgent Miami Summit on Iran Peace Deal US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held a high-stakes meeting in Miami on Saturday, May 9, with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. The discussions focused on a proposed 14-point memorandum of understanding to end the current conflict and establish a framework for intensive peace negotiations in Islamabad. While Pakistan serves as the official mediator, Qatar has emerged as a key behind-the-scenes player, coordinating with regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt to secure a final response from Tehran. Strategic pause and tensions President Donald Trump recently announced a temporary pause in “Project Freedom” – the US naval operation to escort commercial vessels – to allow space for a final peace agreement. Despite the pause in escorts, the US military blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect, with F/A-18s recently disabling two Iranian tankers attempting to violate the perimeter. Even as the Qatari ship passed, the IRGC issued new warnings that it would target US military “centers” in the region if its own tankers came under further fire. While analysts view this single shipment as a positive omen, they caution that the Strait remains a high-risk zone . Qatar’s LNG export capacity has already been reduced by 17% due to Iranian attacks earlier in the war, with some repairs expected to take three to five years to complete. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.