Qatar Fully Resumes Maritime Navigation After Two-Week Suspension

DOHA, July 26: Qatar has fully resumed maritime navigation activities for all types of vessels from Sunday, ending a two-week suspension imposed amid heightened security tensions in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

The Ministry of Transport announced the resumption in a brief statement published on the social media platform X, urging all maritime operators and individuals to comply with approved regulations and instructions to ensure the highest levels of safety and security during sea operations.

The ministry did not provide additional details on the reasons behind the decision or specify any new maritime measures.

Qatar had suspended all maritime navigation activities on July 12 amid rising regional tensions. The move followed an earlier temporary halt on June 29, with partial maritime operations resuming on July 5.

The restrictions came during a period of heightened military tensions involving the United States and Iran, prompting several international shipping companies to keep some vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz due to security concerns.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global energy shipments passes.