Qatari gas carrier damaged in Gulf as Iran labels UK forces terrorist entities

Qatar’s gas shipping arm Nakilat reported that one of its vessels was struck by unidentified objects in the Persian Gulf. The company stated on Sunday that the carrier, Al Mayeda, sustained damage Friday night. No crew members were injured, and the vessel remained operational. Nakilat said there was no environmental impact. The statement did not identify who fired the objects.

Iran has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on ships in the region. It warned that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission could face destruction. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the attack. It said authorities were investigating who was responsible. The ministry added that such attacks risk regional security and marine life.

In a separate escalation, Iran designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations. Tehran also declared its MI6 foreign intelligence service a hostile entity. State-run news agency IRNA reported the move on Sunday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the United Kingdom of participating in U.S.-Israeli military attacks on Iran. It cited the provision of military bases and logistical support as evidence. The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law.

U.S. State Department official Donald Blome said all options remain on the table regarding Iran. Blome, the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, spoke at the Manama Dialogue security forum in Bahrain. He said the hand of negotiation has been extended and channels remain active. However, he noted the U.S. is prepared to go in another direction. He stated, "We just can’t allow Iran to take this region and the global economy hostage."

Meanwhile, the United Nations called for an investigation into the death of a staffer held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Mohammad el Shami worked for the U.N. human rights office. He had been held since June 2024. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Houthis never provided information on his well-being or proof of life despite repeated requests. He became the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody. A World Food Program worker died in their custody in February 2025.

Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida on Sunday. The group blamed Saudi Arabia for hitting the university’s medical school. There was no immediate word on casualties. The port city of Hodeida has come under attack repeatedly since fighting escalated months ago. This reignited Yemen’s civil war between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed eight people on Sunday, including a four-year-old boy. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported five deaths from a strike in that southern city. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported three deaths from another strike, which also seriously wounded a woman. The Israeli military said it struck several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas militant in northern Gaza.

The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. They killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251. A ceasefire took effect in October 2025 and largely halted major fighting. However, near-daily Israeli strikes have continued. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 1,570 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began. The overall death toll from the war stands at more than 74,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants. Israel says its strikes target militants and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.