Qatar intercepts Iranian missiles as third strikes oil tanker, no casualties reported

The Ministry of Defense of Qatar confirmed that the State of Qatar was targeted by three cruise missiles launched from Iran on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

According to the ministry, Qatari armed forces successfully intercepted two of the incoming missiles, while a third struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy in Qatari territorial waters.

Authorities said immediate response measures were activated following the incident, including coordination with relevant entities to secure the site and manage the situation. All 21 crew members aboard the tanker were safely evacuated, with no casualties reported.

QatarEnergy also confirmed that the vessel, identified as a fuel oil tanker under its lease, was targeted in the attack, adding that there were no injuries or environmental damage resulting from the strike.

The incident comes amid heightened regional instability, with missile and drone attacks increasingly targeting critical infrastructure and energy assets across the Gulf. Recent developments have raised concerns over maritime security and the safety of vital shipping routes in the region.

Officials reiterated that the situation remains under close monitoring, with necessary precautions in place to safeguard national security and ensure the continuity of essential operations.