Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned a drone strike on a bulk carrier in its waters, calling it a violation of freedom of navigation.
The vessel was hit 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, suffered limited fire, no injuries, and continued its journey.
Qatar's Prime Minister warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz would deepen the crisis and threaten global energy and food supplies.
The incident heightens Gulf tensions as Iran, Kuwait and the US engage in diplomatic talks and military posturing amid ongoing conflict.