Qatar resumes full maritime navigation activities after war-related disruptions

Qatar’s Transport Ministry announced Friday the full resumption of maritime navigation activities starting Saturday, following a period of partial reopening after a closure linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran.

In a statement, the ministry said maritime activities will resume fully around the clock for all types of vessels starting from Saturday, May 2, at 12.00 am (local time).

The ministry noted that maritime operations were partially resumed on April 12 from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm after a gradual reopening began on March 30, following a “temporary” suspension on Feb. 28 as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety amid the onset of war in the Middle East.

The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but an agreement could not be reached.

US President Donald Trump later unilaterally extended the truce without setting a new time frame, at Pakistan’s request.