Alleged action linked to tanker’s passage through Iranian-designated shipping corridor
ISLAMABAD: The first reported Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment bound for Pakistan in nearly three weeks has allegedly been prevented from continuing its voyage after the tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz through an Iranian-designated northern shipping route, according to circulating reports.
The reports claim that the LNG carrier Al Areesh (IMO: 9325697), which loaded its cargo at Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial port, was stopped from sailing onward to Pakistan by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
However, neither CENTCOM, the US government, Pakistani authorities nor Qatari officials have publicly confirmed the reported action. Likewise, no official statement has been issued by the vessel’s operator regarding the alleged interruption.
Claims emerge amid heightened regional tensions
According to the reports, the vessel had already completed loading operations before navigating the Strait of Hormuz via the northern shipping channel designated by Iranian authorities.
The reported incident comes as maritime security in the Gulf remains under close scrutiny following months of heightened regional tensions affecting commercial shipping routes and energy supplies.
If confirmed, the move could have implications for Pakistan’s LNG imports, which rely heavily on shipments from Qatar under long-term supply agreements. However, officials have not announced any disruption to Pakistan’s gas supply or import schedule.
No official confirmation issued
At the time of publication, the reported blockage remained unverified by independent sources.
Authorities in Washington, Doha and Islamabad have not publicly commented on the claims, while shipping databases and maritime agencies have not released official information confirming that the vessel has been detained or prevented from completing its voyage.
Energy analysts note that developments affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are closely monitored because of the waterway’s strategic importance to global energy markets.
Until official confirmation is provided, the reported incident should be treated as an unverified claim rather than an established fact. Market participants and regional governments are expected to monitor the situation closely for further updates.
🇶🇦 🇺🇸 The first Qatari LNG shipment in three weeks has been blocked from sailing to Pakistan 🚫 by U.S. CENTCOM after the LNG tanker Al Areesh (IMO: 9325697), which loaded the cargo at Ras Laffan, transited the Strait of Hormuz via the Iranian-designated northern shipping route. https://t.co/TxEtuc6O3m pic.twitter.com/x4RabhVRhw
— Egypt’s Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) July 31, 2026
🔴What? Why?
🔴This is a highly celebrated event: Qatar sent the first LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz after a three-week halt. Pakistan negotiated a deal with Iran to allow it to pass, and it did. However, as it approached Pakistan in the Gulf of Oman, it made a… pic.twitter.com/9E3zt8813g
— Anas Alhajji (@anasalhajji) July 31, 2026
