Qatar has warned Iran that it will bear full legal responsibility for attacks on three vessels, including a Qatari LNG carrier, near the coast of Oman.
The ships were struck within hours in the Strait of Hormuz, close to Oman's shoreline.
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Oman had previously proposed a new shipping corridor near its coast, a plan opposed by Iran.
Iran Blames US, Defends Fee Plan
Iran blamed the United States for the incident, claiming Washington's efforts to open new routes breached a signed memorandum of understanding.
Iran insists the memorandum gives it, in consultation with Oman, the authority to manage the strait's reopening within 30 days.
During a briefing in Tehran, Iranian officials stated they have the right to impose fees on all ships using the strait.
"Securing the strait for navigation for safe passage is itself a service," a foreign ministry spokesman said.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat was hit near Limah, Oman, while traveling south toward the Gulf of Oman.
The crew sent a Mayday call stating, "We're being hit by a drone top of port side near engine room."
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This is the first time a Qatari ship has been struck since the US-Iran war began on 28 February.
Qatar has been a key mediator in talks.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, called the attack a serious violation of international law and said Qatar would hold Iran fully responsible.
Iran rejected a proposal from Oman to create a new strait authority modeled on the Malacca and Singapore Strait, where fees are charged only for specific navigational services.
An Iranian official argued, "Providing security is costly...
So from now on we're going to ask for necessary costs when we provide related services, including securing the safe passage."
Iran also dismissed offers from France and the UK to assist with de-mining and securing the southern route near Oman's shore.
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"When France and others said they were ready to help, we said 'no thank you' – this is for Iran to do it," the foreign ministry stated.
